Today —in Matthew's Gospel— Jesus starts introducing us into the mysteries of the Kingdom, in that particular way that He likes to use by means of parables.

The seeds are the Word proclaimed and the sower is He. He is not trying to sow in the best possible soil to produce an excellent crop. He has come so that “they might have life and have it more abundantly” (Jn 10:10). This is why He does not spare his seeds and generously throws handfuls of them onto the ground, whether it is “on the path” (Mt 13:4), or “on rocky ground” (key verse 5), or “among thorns” (key verse 7), or, finally, “on rich soil” (key verse 8).

Thus, the seeds so generously sown produce the expected yield the terrain possibilities allow. The Second Vatican Council tells us: “The Word of the Lord is compared to a seed which is sown in a field; those who hear the Word with faith and become part of the little flock of Christ, have received the Kingdom itself. Then, by its own power the seed sprouts and grows until harvest” (Lumen gentium, 5).

“Those who hear the Word with faith”, says the Council. You are used to hearing it, perhaps to reading it and, maybe, to pondering over it. Depending on the depth of your faith through hearing, such will be the fruits the crop will bear. Though, these fruits, somehow, are guaranteed by the vital power of the Word-seed, our responsibility in the attentive listening to the Word is no less important. This is why “Whoever has ears ought to hear” (Mt 13:9).

Today, ask the Lord the prophet’s yearning: “When I found your words, I devoured them; your words were my joy, the happiness of my heart, Because I bear your name, LORD, God of hosts” (Jer 15:16).