Jul 13 2008
What Kind of Soil are You?
What Kind of Soil are You?
Consider the first part of this Sunday’s Gospel:
That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the sea. And great crowds gathered about him, so that he got into a boat and sat there; and the whole crowd stood on the beach. And he told them many things in parables, saying: “A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seeds fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured them. Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they had not much soil, and immediately they sprang up, since they had no depth of soil, but when the sun rose they were scorched; and since they had no root they withered away. Other seeds fell upon thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. Other seeds fell on good soil and brought forth grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. (Mt. 13: 1-8 RSV)
In this parable, Jesus describes four types of people and their reaction when they hear the Word of God. The first three soils (people) can be considered most of today’s society:
When any one hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what is sown in his heart; this is what was sown along the path. (Mt. 13: 19 RSV)
This person can be considered the one who completely rejects the Word of God. They have no place in their heart for God and, in fact, place themselves above God. The Relativist, Atheist, and Pagan are examples.
As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away. (Mt. 13: 20-21 RSV)
Unfortunately, many fall into this category. This is the “lukewarm” believer. Either through poor catechesis or a week will, they will place their own survival above defending the Faith and Church. Yes, they may regularly attend Mass, but little if any more than this. This can also be the one who only attends on special days (i.e. Christmas and Easter).
As for what was sown among thorns, this is he who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the delight in riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. (Mt. 13: 22 RSV)
This is the Materialist. Greed has consumed them. All the care about is instant gratification. This one can be considered dangerous since they will use God and the Church if it is to their advantage.
As for what was sown on good soil, this is he who hears the word and understands it; he indeed bears fruit, and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.” (Mt. 13: 23 RSV)
This is the one we strive for and, even then, there is a vast difference. This is the true believer, the one who will defend their Faith and the Church and, if necessary, go to their death it.
Which soil are you? Many hope we are the last, but unfortunately, we are one of the other three. We need to dedicate ourselves to achieving as much fruit as we can.
Great Post. Think this scripture gives us much to think about.