The seed that falls on good ground will yield a fruitful harvest. (Psalm 64).
Today’s long Gospel from St. Matthew is the parable of the sower whose seed falls on different types of soil and produces a harvest accordingly – or not. The Gospel is divided into three parts: the parable itself, Jesus’ observations on the society to which he was preaching and teaching, and his explanation of the parable.
Jesus’ social commentaries on the situation in his time has definite relevance to our contemporary society. Whereas we live amidst great good, great acts of collective kindness, well-established human rights and freedom, we feel in our bones something is wrong. Something is eroding and gnawing away at the innermost heart of the foundation of our free society. This creeping sickness should lead us to look into our own hearts, to ponder what the word of the kingdom has produced.
That is the challenge Jesus gives his disciples down through the ages.
If we conclude that the heart of this nation – and our own heart – has grown coarse, then it is time to pray, and pray to be converted and healed by our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
