The parable of the sower and the seed is often used to encourage the faithful to be the “good ground” for the message of Jesus. Hopefully, we identify with being “good ground.” We certainly don’t want to focus on the things that keep us from doing what Jesus calls us to do. And we never want to forget that we’re called to be life-giving to each other.

There are people, however, as we all know, who neither listen to or hear the Word of God. Today’s readings turn the spotlight on them. As Isaiah said, “Gross is the heart of this people, they will hardly hear with their ears, they have closed their eyes, lest they see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their hearts and be converted, and I will heal them.” These folks give in to temptations, they don’t pray, they don’t read Sacred Scripture. Slackers. Sometimes worse.

Sometimes it takes a crisis for people to open their eyes. Some people simply don’t want to get the message until there’s no choice. It’s been my experience that repenting our sins and failings, committing our life to Jesus, and changing our ways so that we become “good ground” can require hard work. But what we gain is worth the effort. God will keep His promise to heal us. Compassion, peace of mind and heart and lots of love to give away are only some of what we will receive. God is always generous.

“Good Ground People” listen to others and encourage them. They overflow with love. They fulfill their responsibilities. They’re respectful and kind. They help others in their need without being asked or told to do it.

Let’s all weed out, cultivate, and feed what God has planted in our hearts so that the Word of God can grow strong in us…

Dorothy Hathway, CSJA