(Please read the Scripture passages first, before the homily.)
This is the first of three parables about seeds. The second and third parables are used for Friday’s reading. To understand them, we should probably read them one after the other. In short, this parable seems to be about the coming end and judgment. The second and third tell us what the Kingdom of God is like. The reading for Thursday will teach that Jesus, like the good rabbi that he was, will shed much-needed light on the three parables.
This parable seems to be about the end time when those seeds that fell off the beaten path will find themselves dead and the seed in the good ground will have a superabundant life. It gives us the impression that God does not and will not rescue those who do not fall on good soil.
The purpose of the parables, however, is that we see and understand so that we have a change of heart and be forgiven. This parable, is saying something about God’s desire and power to save. The other two parables in this series will interpret and will further explain God’s power and intention to save.
So, if we are hearing today’s parable with the idea that God is coming to destroy the bad and save the good, we have to change our thinking. I do like to think of myself as good seed falling on good soil, as we all probably do. This leads me to want to hear how the other two parables can change my attitude towards an apocalyptic end time.
Jesus did say that he wanted us to listen, understand, be converted and be forgiven. It may seem that this parable says the opposite, but Jesus did care about forgiving all the people because he came to save all people. We ought not think that Jesus would let rocks, thin soil and thorns thwart his plan.
I have read the rest of this chapter. I encourage you to do the same.