Since in the longer version of today's gospel passage Jesus provides his own "homily" on his message, I cannot presume to improve on what he has to say about it: this is what he says:
"Hear then the parable of the sower.
The seed sown on the path is the one
who hears the word of the kingdom without understanding it,
and the evil one comes and steals away
what was sown in his heart.
The seed sown on rocky ground
is the one who hears the word and receives it at once with joy.
But he has no root and lasts only for a time.
When some tribulation or persecution comes because of the word,
he immediately falls away.
The seed sown among thorns is the one who hears the word,
but then worldly anxiety and the lure of riches choke the word
and it bears no fruit.
But the seed sown on rich soil
is the one who hears the word and understands it,
who indeed bears fruit and yields a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold."
The first reading today tells us that God's word, God's will, cannot not be done – and so this, combined with Jesus' own homily leads us to the conclusion today that the sooner we become "rich soil" – open enough to receive the sunshine and the rain of his graces and gifts; trusting
enough to let him be the farmer of our souls; willing
enough to be used by him to make this world a better place in preparation for the magnificent world that is to come – the more quickly the arrival of the Kingdom in its fullness will be!
As we wait for this arrival and the full redemption of ourselves and our bodies – as we find ourselves even groaning and moaning as we still are in the waiting stages – let us take comfort in the sure knowledge that if we persevere and keep our eyes focused on the finish line: Jesus standing at the gates of heaven: all will be well and end well!
The seed that falls on good ground will yield a fruitful harvest!
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