FERTILE GROUND

Matthew 13:1-9,18-23

by Brother Dennis

The reading from Matthew makes clear that the reception of the Gospel message depends upon the soil. That is, the condition of the heart of the one who receives it. In this teaching, the seed and the sower are the same in each case, but the soil varies. There were many who did not respond favorably to his message, but the few who did produced remarkable fruit. This teaching is calling us to prepare the soil of our hearts so that we can allow God’s word take root within us.

Jesus first refers to those who have hardened hearts and who, for whatever reason, cannot receive the Good News. The word lands on the hardpan soil of the heart and never takes root, easy pickings for birds of prey.

The second metaphor is of rocky ground that did not have very much soft soil. The word of the Lord is received but not really taken too seriously. The roots are shallow and when the plant breaks soil it withers in the sun because it does not have enough root system to retain life-giving water necessary for the plants growth.

The third is of those of us who are caught in the thickets of the thorns of life, buried in the darkness of drugs, alcohol, violence, crime, greed, discrimination, and all sorts of suffering human condition that choke us from realizing the truth of God’s generosity, compassion, and fulfillment.

The fourth example given by Jesus is that of fertile soil, soil that is rich with nutrients and where the roots of the Gospel message can run deep. Not only does it produce thriving, healthy plants above the soil, but the roots provide strength and stability. With this kind of foundation, whatever life throws at us, whether it be scorching heat or driving winds, we can withstand the storm and even grow stronger because of the experience.

Many of us have experienced times where we were kind of like rocky soil, when for a short period of time we were aware of the Kingdom life Jesus had to offer and really into it for a while, but over time and for varying reasons, we lost our zeal. Some of us may have been harmed by the very institution of the church and our hearts became soured and hardened.

There may be some that want the life of Jesus offers but feel caught in the bramble of thorns of life and we just can’t seem to break out. The thorns choke us and overpower our desire to accept the love of God.

Or maybe you just cannot hear the word at all because something bad has happened and you don’t understand how a good God can allow such bad things. Maybe you cannot trust religion. To you I say trust your heart. That is where the whisper of God is.

How do we prepare the soil of our heart to be the right condition for growth in faith and relationship with God? I think we begin with listening to the deeper regions and essence of our being. Listen, as our Quaker friends say, to the still, small voice of God within that wants to guide us and nurture us with love. Read the sacred words – both from the Christian cannons such as the teachings of Jesus found in the Gospels, as well as sacred texts from other spiritual traditions that can enrich our experience. These are the words of God for the people of God.

Turn the soil of the heart with prayer until the is a rich mixture of the love of God and the desires of our heart. Fertilize this soil with love for each other, making it soil that is abundant in nutrients and fertile for growing relationships with one another and with God.

If the soil of your heart is dry and hard and you want to turn it into a lush, rich soil that brings forth joy, peace, and love, and fullness of life, you can begin today. Start by removing the rocks of hatred, shame, anger, bigotry, racism, and anything that separates us from one another. Because when we separate from those who are part of God’s family, we separate from God. Remove thorns that are choking your intrinsic desire for love. Let God’s seed of truth, love, and peace land and take root in you. What once was the dry desert of the heart can become an oasis of hope and life for you and countless others.