Mt 13:1-23
Parables are stories. And because they are stories, they catch the attention of listeners. But Jesus used parables not so much because they capture the interest of his audience but because parables challenge the beliefs or behavior of his audience. For example, Jesus used the parable of the Prodigal Son to challenge the unwelcoming attitude towards sinners of the Scribes and Pharisees. Obviously, the parable of the Seed and the Sower forces us to ask ourselves what kind of soil we are.
Jesus does not explain his parables. They are not meant to be explained in the first place. Each hearer will have to unlock for himself the meaning which the parable has for him.
Why then do we find Jesus explaining the parable to his disciples? Bible scholars say that the explanation is really how the early church understood the parable and which it then put in the mouth of Jesus.
How do I understand the parable?
1. The Path
Our parents, our teachers, our priests may have led us along the path of Christian life in our youth. But as we grew older we forgot what they taught us. We took a different road.
2. The Rocky Ground
Lack of roots. It is easy to pull plants that do not have roots. It is easy to give up Christian values that have been accepted superficially. This is the case when Christian values are based merely on emotions or on conformity. After a retreat one feels good and is inspired to be good. One is on fire. But after a week everything goes back to normal (balik sa dating ugali). It is easy to be sober in an environment where people do not drink in order to get drunk. But it is a different story when one's friends drink till they get drunk.
3. Thorns
Thorns (weeds) absorb the nutrients from the soil faster than the "good" seed. Consequently, the "good plant" grows but is stunted and produces small (inferior) fruits. Sometimes we allow other concerns to grab all our attention and all our energy so that almost nothing remains for our Christian life.
I remember watching the movie, "Oh, God! 2" In that movie, God helped a struggling singer to make it big. When he became successful, he forgot God and led a loose life. His attention and energy was absorbed by his profession and his dissolute living. Little or nothing was left for God.
4. Good Soil
The seed that fell on good soil gave an incredible yield, a hundredfold, sixtyfold, thirtyfold. The proof of a good soil is the fruit. As Jesus already said, "By their fruits you shall know them." Ingrid Betancourt was rescued from the FARC rebels. She never lost her faith. How do we know? She never gave up on prayer.
If God's word has taken root in your heart, what should we see? If God has taken possession of your soul, what do we expect to observe?
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