Matthew 13: 16-17 (The Message)

But you have God-blessed eyes - eyes that see! And God-blessed ears - ears that hear! A lot of people, prophets and humble believers among them, would have given anything to see what you are seeing, to hear what you are hearing, but never had the chance.

Reflection:

How does a garden grow? I am not a gardener or farmer, but I am told that well planned gardens start with the correct soil mixture. Organic or natural, please. Straight furrows are prepared for seeds that have been carefully selected. Are they heirloom, open-pollinated seeds?

Every seed goes in their carefully prepared furrow, each to its own furrow. There is no indiscriminate tossing of seeds in these gardens. They are environments that are controlled to promote the best growth of the plant. Fences surround the gardens to keep away unwanted pests that might harm the plants.

What then do we make of the actions of the farmer in Jesus' parable? He scattered seeds everywhere, not just on good soil. There were seeds on the road. Seeds in the gravel. Seeds in the weeds. Some might say he was full of new wine by the way he scattered seeds regardless of where they might land.

Others might say he was a farmer who sowed seeds in all places and trusted the growth to God. Some of the seeds he scattered fell on good soil. From those seeds, God grew an abundant harvest.

We are servants in fields the Holy Spirit has prepared and are called to proclaim the Good News at all times and in all places. We engage in acts of justice and show mercy to all. Our work is marked by extravagance trust that the seeds we scatter will reach those who are eager to hear and believe. God will grow the Kingdom from the seeds we plant and nurture.

Prayer:

Gracious God, make us extravagant sowers of seeds. We are co-workers in your fields. Forgive our desire to control the outcome and increase our faith and zeal for the work of your Kingdom. Amen.

the Rev. Jack Shackles, Jr. Shackles, Jr.

pastor of Taftville Congregational Church, UCC