Hear this! A sower went out to sow. Mark 4:3

I was raised on a 300-acre farm and have early memories of sowing the seeds of our crops - corn, oats, wheat, barley and hay.  I especially recall Dad sowing alfalfa seed.  When the ground was plowed and smoothed, he would walk through the fields carrying the seed and cranking our handheld sower.  I would
help by clearing rocks from the field.

I often wonder what images Jesus had in mind when he spoke of sowing seed. He said the seed is like the word of God and we are the soil.  Frivolous distractions and excessive worldly cares are the thorns and the weeds that choke the seed.  Jesus assures us if we are open and ready to receive his word it will produce rich and lasting spiritual fruit in our lives.

Lord, we stand ready to receive your words of life.

Fr. James McKarns