July 16, 2023

Sister Ana Cloughly, OSB shares a reflection on the scripture readings: Isaiah 55:10-11; Romans 8:18-23; Matthew 13:1-23

Today’s gospel presents us with some interesting challenges.

Briefly, in the gospel Jesus tells the people the parable of the sower and the seed. A sower is spreading seed liberally on the path, on rocky ground, on soil that has thorns and on good soil. The seeds on the good soil are the only ones to survive and even to bear fruit. When the disciples are finally alone with Jesus, they ask him two questions: Why do you speak to the people in parables? And what does this parable mean? Both of Jesus’ answers feel disturbing.  

The disciples approached him and said, “Why do you speak to them in parables?” He said to them in reply, “Because knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven has been granted to you, but to them it has not been granted. To anyone who has, more will be given, and he will grow rich; from anyone who has not, even what he has will be taken away. This is why I speak to them in parables because they look but do not see and hear but do not listen or understand. Isaiah’s prophecy is fulfilled in them, which says: You shall indeed hear but not understand, you shall indeed look but never see. Gross is the heart of these people. They will hardly hear with their ears. They have closed their eyes lest they see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their hearts and be converted, and I heal them. 

The seed is the word of God and the different places it is spread are the way in which the word is received. With some it doesn’t have a chance.  With others the word begins to grow but can’t grow roots or it is choked by the worries of life and dies. Finally, some seed falls on good soil and grows bearing a lot of fruit.

I won’t pretend not to be disturbed by what Jesus is saying.  All I can do is offer my reflection. Despite what sounds like a cynical view of the masses on Jesus’ part, I find hope in his words. Here’s why.

According to Jesus, God’s word symbolized by the seed is spread far and wide. It is in all creation and can be perceived there. The revelation of God can be understood through two primary sources: scripture and nature. Scripture for Christians is the Bible, and for me personally, the gospels are my starting point. Through scripture, I gain insights into God’s character, relationship with humanity, and the ultimate meaning and purpose of life. Nature is often referred to as the book of God’s creation. In it I see God’s ongoing care and creativity. Both are God’s word spoken into what perhaps was a void.

In the past year we have literally peered back in time. It’s been a year since the first images from the James Webb Space Telescope were first released. The discoveries have been more than amazing. We are seeing very old galaxies, stars being created, finding a planet much like earth in composition (though it’s not habitable) and much more. Technological advances such as AI have grown exponentially. Medical advances. All of it reveals the intricacy and interrelatedness of everything. Yet the book of Creation seems to be missing something, at least from a human perspective. And God fills this void with divine presence “the Word” spoken in scripture and in Christ. Christ’s word, his message, is to love one another. I believe the mysteries of the Kindom are held in this one truth: God is love.

Advances in science and technology, quality of life for humans and for the rest of earthly life comes from working together, sharing ideas, cooperation and developing compassion. Yet the world is still fighting over land and ideology. God doesn’t give up on us though.  Isaiah says in the first reading, “Thus says the LORD:
Just as from the heavens the rain and snow come down and do not return there till they have watered the earth, making it fertile and fruitful, giving seed to the one who sows and bread to the one who eats, so shall my word be that goes forth from my mouth; my word shall not return to me void, but shall do my will, achieving the end for which I sent it.” Isaiah 55:10-11 The fruit, of course, is that we and this broken world be healed. Today, right now, is another chance to hear, to see, and to be healed by God.