Sowing

After relating the parable of the sower, Jesus makes this invitation, “Whoever has ears ought to hear.” We are asked to pay close attention to the parable. But what do we have to reflect on? The sower? The seed? The different types of ground?

Traditionally, we Christians have focused exclusively on the types of ground the seed falls on so that we may examine our attitude as we listen to the Gospel. But it is important to pay attention to the sower and how he sows.

It is what the account says first: “A sower went out to sow.” He does so with surprising confidence. He sows unsparingly. The seed keeps falling everywhere, even where the seed can germinate only with great difficulty. That was what farmers of Galilee did, sowing even by the roadside and on rocky ground.

It is not hard for the people to identify the sower. Thus does Jesus sow his message. They see him go forth every morning to announce God’s Good News. He sows his Word among the simple folks who welcome him, and also the scribes and Pharisees who reject him. He is never discouraged. What he sows will never be fruitless.

Overwhelmed by a strong religious crisis, we may think that the Gospel has lost its original power and that Jesus’ message no longer has the force to catch the attention of today’s men and women. It is certainly not the time to “harvest” remarkable successes, but rather to learn to sow without being discouraged, more humbly and truthfully.

It is not the Gospel that has lost its humanizing power; we are the ones who are announcing it with a weak and wavering faith. It is not Jesus who has lost the power to attract. We are the ones who have devitalized it with our inconsistencies and contradictions.

Pope Francis says that when we Christians do not live strongly committed to Jesus, “our enthusiasm soon wanes and we are no longer sure of what it is that we are handing on; we lack vigor and passion. A person who is not convinced, enthusiastic, certain and in love, will convince nobody.”

To evangelize is not to propagate a doctrine, but rather to make present in the midst of society and in the hearts of people Jesus’ humanizing and saving power. And this cannot be done in just any manner. What is decisive is not the number of preachers, catechists or teachers of religion, but rather the Gospel character that we Christians can radiate. What are we spreading? Indifference or convinced faith? Mediocrity or passion for a more human life?

José Antonio Pagola

July 13, 2014
15 Ordinary Time (A)
Matthew 13, 1-23