Bearing Fruit, Being Good Soil

‘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

Life isn't easy and rarely makes sense. It is normal for us to want to give up when life throws us rough curves and thorns that would us deeply. We are living in an environment of verbal violence and threats, thorns so deep they can't help but wound us. Being good soil and bearing fruit requires us to have faith during the harsh seasons, resting and healing during the blinding cold, trusting that the warmth will return and we can provide what the small seeds need. We all have days when we feel drained and dry, as if there we have absolutely nothing more to give. Yet Jesus is promising us fruit in abundance and love overflowing. Good news on our roughest days.

Gracious Creator, you have planted us in good soil

given us families and communities of strength

and teach us to walk in faith along the good path.

We often stumble and get caught up in the lures

of wealth, power and our need for control

and yet you call us to be the tender soil bearing fruit.

Help us to trust completely in your words of love

make us tender and willing to be remade and replanted

and give us the strength the bear the fruit of your love.