Journey of Faith, July 12, 2020
“A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seed feel on the path and birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky ground… Some seed fell among thorns… But some seed fell on rich soil, and produced fruit.”
(Matthew 13:4-8)
What kind of farmer throws his seed on rocky ground? Isn’t that a waste of good seed?
These are understandable questions because they come from minds—like mine— that were trained to be practical. In fact, when I served in the Altiplano of Peru, a farmer I knew was scandalized by this Gospel. Seeds are essential to the livelihood of an agricultural people. What could be more wasteful than sowing seeds on rocky ground? But, I’ve come to learn, God works in ways that may appear to be profligate but actually are a sign of something else: the generosity of our Creator and the expansiveness of the Gospel.
God does not squander the gift of love. God’s love is immense, exorbitant, without limits or discrimination. Everyone is entitled, everyone is the object of a love that is deep and lavishly bestowed. The sharing is not confined to “good soil.” In God’s eyes, everyone is deserving, which means no point in getting caught up in practicalities or making distinctions. Just share the love generously, the way God does.
Friend, could we have any greater example of generosity than the selfless dedication of our healthcare and service workers? Rather than seeing ourselves as “practical farmers,” let’s accept the challenge to be exorbitant in love, generous in spirit, and relentless in giving witness to the healing grace that comes in caring for one another. May your orchards be filled with God’s grace.
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