Jesus never suggests a proper response to this parable.
One can read all three synoptic versions of this parable and still come away wondering. (Mt. 13:1-23; Lk 8:4-15) Jesus just seems to state the facts. People respond to the gospel in one of four ways:1. with indifference;
2. with short lived enthusiasm;
3. with half-hearted allegiance choked
by distraction and worry;
4. with full surrender that produces
surprising amounts of fruit.
We read the parable and, like the disciples, begin asking what it means. Yet, that question actually wonders,
"What do we do with this information?"
Do we encourage each other to break-up the worn paths and try to make them fertile gardens? Do we stress and strain to sink our roots deeper so we will endure the heat of persecution? Do we weed our hearts and seek counsel for removing worry and lust? Do we check our fruit production as a sign of whether we are good soil or not?
Or do we assume Jesus is teaching us to be liberal sowers, not concerning ourselves with the harvest only the planting? Do we settle on this parable as some sort of Biblical support for predestination and God's sovereignty?
Or perhaps, Jesus exercises great wisdom by opening our hearts to these and many more questions with one simple farming story.
Enjoy your Lent reflection. Share your thoughts.
