July 12, 2026. At Saint Peter and Saint William Churches in Naples, FL
Isaiah 55: 10-11 + Psalm 65 + Romans 8: 18-23 + Matthew 13: 1-23
It is not likely that Jesus actually supplied the interpretation of this parable to the disciples. When Jesus did speak this parable, it was to teach something about God and God’s generous behavior throwing seed abundantly and generously everywhere without fussing over the potential. In that time, seed was precious, and not something to be waisted without some expectation of its fruitfulness. So, his parable was a surprise to people who were so picky about the soil and where they planted. That’s not how God works, says Jesus.
It is likely however that someone who added this interpretation did so because the intended readers needed to concentrate more on their receptiveness rather than on God’s behavior, and it may still be so today.
Anyone who has ever planted a garden knows that good soil does not exist on its own. It needs to be turned. Rocks have to go. Weeds must be pulled. Seeds may need to be covered lest the birds eat them all. When it comes to God’s Word sown in us through this Liturgy or our own prayerful reading, something is required of us not just for readiness, but for that harvest to come.
So much of our lives makes the risk of a harvest failure possible. Career goals and the business required to be successful is a threat to the seed. Broken relationships, grudges, anger and resentment are like the rocks the writer speaks of. Addiction, bad habits, judgements about others and selfishness need to be pruned or uprooted for the seed to have a chance. We all have some rocks and thorns in our lives to examine because they threaten the harvest that we think of as the Kingdom of God.
A little fertilizer almost always makes a difference even with the best of soils. Like wise laborers who tend the gardens of this earth, we can cultivate our lives, our souls, minds, and hearts with some compassion and tenderness that will surely bear the fruit of peace as the Holy Spirit brings forth its first fruits in us.