Yielding Fruit

Jesus said, “Hear then the parable of the sower. When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what is sown in the heart; this is what was sown on the path. As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet such a person has no root, but endures only for a while, and when trouble or persecution arises on account of the word, that person immediately falls away. As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the lure of wealth choke the word, and it yields nothing. But as for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.” Matthew 13:18-23 

Went to our friendly nursery recently, hoping to find vegetable plants to put in our garden. They told us nothing was ready yet, for although it was hot for a day or two, it has been a long cold winter and the plants are not ready. They told us to go home and prepare our soil, and said if you've already done it do it again. The earth is not warm enough, they told us.We must curb our enthusiasm for the work of a garden is for the long haul, not just the excitement of the return of warmth and light. We can mean well and forget as quickly.

Jesus goes into depth with his disciples about the story he has just told. We can be like those who mean well and get distracted, those who find the work too tedious or too hard. Go and prepare the soil, he advised, make our hearts and homes ready for the long season. There will indeed be abundance although we might not see it now, everything we do in faith brings forth a bounty of love.

Today, I ask God to help me do the work for the long haul. May we prepare our hearts, prepare our lives and work daily for the yield of love, forgiveness and justice.