Good Soil

That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the lake. Such great crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat there, while the whole crowd stood on the beach. 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 13:1-9

We often think that spring is the time to think about planting and soil. In fact, it is important for those of us who try to garden, to prepare the soil for next season. Using compost, ashes and other organic ingredients, we can make the soil better for next year's growth. In the parable of the sower, Jesus reminds us that we need to nurture good soil, good communities which provide the nutrients to build strong, faithful followers. It takes be willing to get messy, to tend to the small things and always be ready for the next season.

Wondrous Creator, you planted us here

giving us light and water for growth

safe communities where we can flourish

and elders and companions to teach us.

We often wander away from your garden

thinking we can grow strong on our own

we flounder and fail in our foolish vanity

and struggle to get through our simple days.

Help us, Lord, to be good, rich earth

so that your love can grow in our communities

so that we can be those who see your abundance

and nurture the robust gardens of your love. Amen