Hear the Word
Barbara Borkowski, Mission Support Ministers, team lead
And he told them many things in parables, saying: “Listen! A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seeds fell on the path, and the birds came and ate them up. Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and they sprang up quickly, since they had no depth of soil. But when the sun rose, they were scorched; and since they had no root, they withered away. Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. Other seeds fell on good soil and brought forth grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. Let anyone with ears listen!” -Matthew 13:3-9
Seeds are about potential. Within every seed is the mystery of growth and new life. That growth and new life is dependent on many factors: sunshine, fertilizer, water, soil cultivation, soil stability, and a method to spread or plant the seed. The gospel is a lot like a seed. It has potential. The potential is always present and, like a seed, is dependent on a variety of conditions and factors.
It begins with a friendship, reaching out in vulnerability to another person. That friendship deepens over time. Through conversations about what matters most, an invitation is extended; the seed is planted. The seed is a beginning, a potential, that is nurtured and shared. Some seeds take more time. Some seeds seem to take hold immediately. Each seed has future potential.
The gospel seed was planted early in my life. It was nurtured through friendship, mentoring, and opportunity. There are times when I have actively shared with others and planted the seeds of the gospel. There have been other times when I was too timid, too afraid of rejection; I neglected to share those gospel seeds. Sometimes I have played the part of the soil, carefully nurturing a seed that someone else planted. Regretfully, at other times I have been more like a thorn or a rock, unable to extend myself in vulnerability to someone in need.
The sower in this parable understands the seed as potential. The sower isn’t timid or afraid of what will happen once the seed is sown. The sower is unconcerned about soil conditions or planting methods. Instead, the sower continues to plant seeds, even in those unlikely places where it seems impossible for the seed to take root.
The world needs to hear gospel seeds. Be a sower. Share your witness and invitation generously, compassionately, widely, and joyfully!
Prayer Phrase
Let your world of beauty capture me.
Spiritual Practice
Growing a Gracious, Generous Heart
Open your heart to God’s grace and generosity with a “breath prayer.” Let your breathing slow and deepen. Be aware of God’s breath moving in and out of your heart. Spend several minutes focusing on breathing in God’s generosity. With each breath, silently name one gift for which you are thankful. Let your heart expand to contain God’s gracious outpouring of love. With each breath out, name one gift you want to share from the overflow of your heart.
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.
