Behold, a sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seed fell by the wayside; ... And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up and choked them. (Mt 13:3, 4, 7)
The parable of the sower tells of different types of soil that the seed of the gospel may fall onto. The types of soil that our hearts are determine our responses to God’s word and the consequent relationship we have with God.
Many of us may find our hearts overgrown with thorns, thwarting the growth of the seed of the gospel sown in us. The seed of the gospel has sprouted within us but something is preventing it from blooming and bearing fruit.
Our busy schedules and lack of time render it impossible for us to even care for our spirituality. We have fears or sorrows that cloud our spiritual view so that we can’t see God or His will in our lives. Our relationships with others are strained. These thorns represent the cares of the world that keep us from being nourished by God’s word (Mt 13:22). Simply put, they choke our faith.
Maybe we have asked God to remove the thorns in our lives. No doubt, God sows as well as gives the growth. But we still have to play our part.
We have to take the initiative. First, we must identify the thorns choking our faith. Let us reflect today. Why can’t we see God in our lives anymore? What has prevented our faith from maturing? Why do we hesitate to tell our friends about God?
Then, dig deep to uproot the thorns. Spend time with God rethinking our values. Take the first step to improve our relationships with others and to tell others about God.
Remove as many thorns as possible. Whatever is left, God will remove.
