Bearing Fruit

Soon afterwards Jesus went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. The twelve were with him, as well as some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, and Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their resources. When a great crowd gathered and people from town after town came to him, he said in a parable: “A sower went out to sow his seed; and as he sowed, some fell on the path and was trampled on, and the birds of the air ate it up. Some fell on the rock; and as it grew up, it withered for lack of moisture. Some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew with it and choked it. Some fell into good soil, and when it grew, it produced a hundredfold.” As he said this, he called out, “Let anyone with ears to hear listen!” Then his disciples asked him what this parable meant. He said, “To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of God; but to others I speak in parables, so that ‘looking they may not perceive, and listening they may not understand.’ “Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. The ones on the path are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. The ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy. But these have no root; they believe only for a while and in a time of testing fall away. As for what fell among the thorns, these are the ones who hear; but as they go on their way, they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature. But as for that in the good soil, these are the ones who, when they hear the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patient endurance.” Luke 8:1-15

We have a small orchard near us, where we can go to pick apples and peaches. They also have a tiny stand, run by several of the friendliest women in the world. There are no fancy entertainment rides, petting zoos or hayrides, just apple picking in a quiet orchard. Everyone comes away smiling, joyful and encouraged. Bearing good fruit, seems to me, to be like our local orchard. They don't advertise, they don't show off, they just provide good fruit and happy moments. 

Gracious Creator, source of abundance

our world is aching for compassion

and the sweet fruit of human kindness

and you have called us all to bear fruit.

We are fearful and reluctant in these times

yet in every generation you send us heralds

those who proclaim love and forgiveness

by word and example where they are planted.

Help us be deeply rooted in your love

let you love flow through us to all people

let us be honored to bear the good fruit

of your compassion and your love. Amen.