I remembered my grandfather who was a farmer when I read the Gospel for today. He would have laughed his innards out if he heard the parable of the sower in the Bible. I think he would find the story absurd since he knew that no farmer in his right mind would just throw his seeds randomly anywhere. He would have selected the right place which can be irrigated and rich soil to sow his seeds. But the reading makes us think of God as the one sowing the seeds of His word in different kinds of grounds.

What captivated me about today's Gospel is that the sower does not base his sowing on where the seeds would fall or if they would grow. What was interesting is the attitude of the sower. He knew that some seeds he has sown could be stolen by the Evil One, some would not be able to develop roots and only last for a time, some could fall away when trouble comes, while some would bear many fruits. And yet, he continued to sow. He is such a generous sower and does not discriminate where to sow. He continuous to sow even if the ground is not good and its development is not guaranteed.

Since God is such a prodigal sower, I cannot help but be captivated by Him and love Him more. He has been generous to me, even if there have been many times when I was not "good soil" enough for Him to plant His word in. May God grant me the grace of openness and readiness for His word so that it may bear fruit in me and effect a transformation.

By: Sem. Tristan Ralf Q. Pacheco

Today's Gospel

Mt 13:18-23

Jesus said to his disciples:

"Hear the parable of the sower.
The seed sown on the path is the one who hears the word of the Kingdom
without understanding it,
and the Evil One comes and steals away
what was sown in his heart.
The seed sown on rocky ground
is the one who hears the word and receives it at once with joy.
But he has no root and lasts only for a time.
When some tribulation or persecution comes because of the word,
he immediately falls away.
The seed sown among thorns is the one who hears the word,
but then worldly anxiety and the lure of riches choke the word
and it bears no fruit.
But the seed sown on rich soil
is the one who hears the word and understands it,
who indeed bears fruit and yields a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold."