Sower Seed and Soil

  

Sermon by Father Jonathan E Moore - LINK HERE

“Sower, Seed and Soil” -  a reflection on the Gospel for the 15th Sunday of the Year 2026

“A sower went out to sow." – in these words, Our Blessed Lord begins one of His timeless parables. He tells of some seed falling on the path, some on rocky ground, some among thorns, and some on rich soil where it yields an abundant harvest. At first glance, this may seem like a simple enough story of everyday life, but there’s more to it than that. Jesus here describes the superabundance of God’s grace, and also the complexity of the human heart.

The seed, as Jesus makes clear to His friends when explaining the parable, is the Word of God. God is extraordinarily generous. Notice that the sower spreads seed everywhere, even in places where growth is, to say the least, unlikely. He does not measure carefully or hold back. In just the same way, God continually scatters His grace, His truth, and His love into our lives. That good seed is sown in Scripture, sacrament, prayer, and, let’s  not forget the teachings of the Church. Then there is the example and witness of others. One way or another, God’s grace comes our way every single day. God is always speaking to us. 

This rather raises a question: if God’s loving grace is scattered so abundantly on our human race, how come we have so many problems, and how many people there are who find no place in their lives for God at all?

Those of you who, like me are very much into the “Third Age” may remember “Round the Horne”, a satirical radio show of the 1960s. Among those at whom this program poked gentle fun were the television and radio horticultural experts of the time, who often expressed views on matters far removed from their own sphere of expertise. In the character of Arthur Fallowfield, the late Kenneth Williams would frequently give a stock answer to every problem on which he was consulted, “The answer lies in the SOIL”. 

In a very serious way, however that answer is a very good one when we ask why God's good seed is not received or understood by so many people. The seed is always good, but the same cannot be said of the soil in which it is sown. 

As we see in the parable, some of the seed falls on the path, where it cannot penetrate the ground. Some human hearts have become hardened, perhaps through witnessing or experiencing great suffering or shattered hopes and dreams - what the “Catena” prayer of the Legion of Mary accurately described as “The crosses, toils and disappointments of life”. Pride, indifference or outright hostility can also make us resistant to God’s voice. Though folk may hear the Gospel, it remains on the surface and never takes root. Here, Jesus gives us the first part of what Saint Ignatius calls “the examen”, that honest appraisal of our relationship with God which is so essential to a deep and active spirituality. We must dare to ask if there are ways in which we shut out God’s word, are we really paying attention when the word of God comes to us? 

Then there is the seed which falls on rocky ground. It springs up quickly but withers because it has no roots. At times we are enthusiastic about our faith, full of good intentions, but when difficulties arise or sacrifices are needed, commitment diminishes. A healthy spiritual life, just like a little plant growing in the garden, needs roots—roots nourished by prayer, regular reception of the Eucharist, the Sacrament of Penance, and perseverance - day in, day out. 

Other seed falls among thorns. Our Blessed Lord explains elsewhere that these thorns are the cares of the world and the lure of riches. Many of us recognise this danger. Our lives are busy. Work, possessions, entertainment, and endless distractions can crowd out God's presence. The problem is not that these things exist, but rather that they can take first place in our hearts. A garden cannot flourish when it is overrun by weeds. Likewise, our spiritual lives need regular cultivation,  weeding and pruning. 

At long last, Jesus tells us that some seeds are welcome in good rich rich deep soil, where the whole plant may be nourished and yield a huge harvest, thirtyfold, sixtyfold, even a hundredfold. 

Here we find the open heart which gladly welcomes God's word with faith, humility, and perseverance. Though by no means a perfect heart, but rather a heart willing to be transformed. The saints were fertile soil not because they were flawless, but because they allowed God's grace to work within them. I often think that the best description of a saint is a person who got back up courageously after every fall and never stopped trying. 

There is a lot to challenge us in this parable, but there is also great encouragement. Soil  can be changed. A hard path can be broken up; rocky ground can be cleared: thorns can be removed. Through repentance and God's grace, our hearts can become more receptive. Every Mass, every confession, every sincere prayer is part of God preparing the soil of our souls. 

God’s greatest gift, the most perfect seed bearing His grace, is Christ Himself, especially in the Holy Eucharist. When we receive Him worthily, He enters the soil of our hearts. The Lord desires not merely a small harvest but an abundant one. He wants our lives to bear the fruits of holiness, charity, patience, forgiveness, and love. 

Can we pray for the courage to ask ourselves honestly, “What kind of soil am I offering to the Lord? Where is my heart hardened? Where are the rocks of inconsistency? Where are the thorns of distraction and attachment?” 

Then, let us pray for the grace to become rich soil, open to God's word and transformed by His love, so that our lives may bear abundant fruit for His glory and for the salvation of the world. 

Amen.