The Parable of the Sower

Sunday, July 12
The first parable Jesus ever uses is about a sower who sows seed on different types of soil.  Jesus uses the parable to give a warning to us about the forces that draw us away from God.  Jesus also uses the parable to remind us of God’s power to “bear fruit” in us, that is, produce good works!  The parable invites into deep reflection, not on seeds and fruit, but on our spiritual lives – what blocks us from God?  It also draws us back into reflection on The Sower, that is God, who generously gives us the word of promise, even in hard and uncertain times.
Preaching passage:  Matthew 13:1-9;18-23