Keep on Sowing

The parable about the sower (Matthew 13: 1-9) in today's Gospel has many different aspects for meditation. Today I decided to reflect on the idea that, even if the "seed" of faith, God's Word, does not take root in good soil when we first sow it, the process does not end there. The sower in the parable does not decide that he will never sow seed again, even though some of the seed did not take root, was eaten by birds, was choked by thorns, sprouted and then quickly died, etc. No, the sower returns each year and sows more seed. It may be that some of the rocks were removed, the thorns cut down, the birds are frightened off, or other things changed that will allow the seed to take root.
It is the same for us, as we try to bring God's Word to others and show them how to live God's will each day. Even if they are not receptive to thinking about God, faith, scripture, etc., that does not end our obligation to continue to expose them to the beauty of this wonderful Presence in their lives. Perhaps it is the 3rd, 4th or 100th time that we expose them to the power of God's Word working in our lives that makes them realize that they want it too. So we should never get discouraged in trying to show others the results of living God's will in our own lives daily, which is really the point of all Scripture.
It is certainly easier said than done, since we can get tired of loving those who do not love us back. It can be disheartening when those "least of the brothers and sisters" do not seem to be impacted at all by our living the Gospel. And it is frustrating when our smiles and positive attitude are returned with hostility or indifference. But is we keep it up, even though it does not seem to make a difference time after time, there may eventually be the moment that our words and actions strike a cord. Or, because of our efforts, the words or actions of another may strike that chord in the person. And that, my friends, is when the seed will be planted in rich soil. Then that brother or sister will experience the "thirty, sixty or one hundred fold" promised in the Gospel.
And we will have fulfilled our destiny as one created in the image and likeness of God, who is THE Sower!