Gospel for July 16 2023 – Matthew 13:1-23
Gospel Reflections for July 16 2023
Prepare the ground…
Any farmer hearing this parable would be confused. Yet this parable is all you need to know if you ever have something important to say.
Jesus describes a farmer sowing seed, an important event for people that depend on farmers for food. How well seed was sown meant the difference between a great harvest …or famine. A wise farmer would take care to sow the seeds carefully!
However, the farmer here is carelessly throwing good seed all over the place! Some land on rocky soil, some among weeds, and some on pathways where it gets trampled. Only a small amount lands where it is supposed to …on good soil.
This is not a good farmer for sure, and that is Our Lord’s lesson! He invites you to think about how you deliver the good messages you might have to the people around you. Good farmers prepare their ground carefully …and throw their good seed only where they have already prepared the ground to receive it.
Do you have something important to say to your spouse, children, or your boss at work? Well, Jesus says …first prepare the ground!
We often think that the goodness of our message is enough.
Simply put …it is not! You might believe that if you just deliver your wonderful message then people will hear it. They often do not.
Just because you are talking does not mean people are listening.
In the Gospel, the “seed” that is thrown is the Word of God! Is there any message more important? Yet even that Word of God is not enough to make it grow in rocky or hard soil. Do you think your words will do any better if you do not prepare your listeners to hear you?
Jesus never told any carpenter stories from his own background, but rather farmer and fishermen stories that He knew would connect with His audience. He loved them …so He took the time to prepare them as well. They sensed His attentiveness and care …and so they listened.
If you need to deliver an important message, take time to set it up well. Think of when and where the message will be best heard, and what words work well with your listener. Think of how you can “prepare the ground” so that your words will have the best effect. You will produce a great harvest!
God Bless!
Fr. Dave
Preparation of the soil is so important in farming and in raising our Children. The Adult resulting from our families are a product of where and How they were planted. Now that may
Sound silly but the planting of Faith in our early lives determines what we mature into.
Faith filled Parents seem to have well balanced and Faith filled Kids.
Farmers are very careful with soil preparation as we must be with what we provide for our Children and for ourselves.
Let us pay more attention to where we throw the seeds in our. Individual lives..
Yes, careful preparation of the soil is key.
Jesus wants us to spread His Kingdom by hearing His words
as we take Him with us in our hearts.
Well said!
Preparing the soil and delivering the message!!! Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee it!!!
Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee, franca and Dick
Thank you!
I have several serious messages that I need to impart to my adult children but have been too fearful to do so. May our Lord Jesus grant me the wisdom and courage to prepare the soil of their hearts so they may receive the seeds that will help them flourish and grow in God’s kingdom.
Thank you Fr. Dave for pointing out this different angle on a most familiar gospel.
Yes, your careful preparation has a better chance of a great harvest!
Dear Father Dave, Your message is so pertinent to me right now! We’re having a family reunion of 50+ starting tomorrow.
I’m going to try to be a good listener and “ prepare the soil” before I comment or speak!
Once again, you hit the nail on the head with your common sense, inspiring, smart words!
Thank you, God bless,
Happy Reunion!
🪴 Yes, prepare the ground, and don’t forget
to water this beautiful garden!
Absolutely!