The parable of the sower

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The Kingdom of Jesus

The Porter's Gate, Jon Guerra, Sandra McCracken

Today is Friday the 24th of July, in the 16th week of Ordinary Time.

Jon Guerra and Sandra McCracken sing, ‘The Kingdom of Jesus’.

To what shall we compare the Kingdom of Jesus if not a seed?

It's small, it's sown, it's tended and grown and it's stirred in you and me

Its branches never break and its fruit never withers

His Kingdom is not of this world or of any

Kingdom whose ruler's face is on a penny

He comes to make all things bright and put a new wine in us

He's chosen the small things to outlast the great

The meek and the merciful to shine through the hate

Though it seems some days that Hell and its gates are prevailing

Oh, say can you see the kingdom within us

Is the Kingdom of Jesus?

To what shall we compare the spirit of the hour if not a sword?

It frees us, unites us, enslaves and divides us and violence, help us Lord

His Kingdom is not of this world or of any

Kingdom whose ruler's face is on a penny

He comes to make all things bright and put a new wine in us

He's chosen the small things to outlast the great

The meek and the merciful to shine through the hate

Though it seems some days that Hell and its gates are prevailing

Oh say can't you see we have one allegiance?

It's to the Kingdom of Jesus

He who is in us is greater than he who is in the world

He who is in us is greater and He's overcome the world

Oh His Kingdom is not one of slander or rage

But one that is ruled by the Lamb who was slain

And is worthy of wisdom and honour and glory and strength

No pain, no division, no public disgrace

Will compare with seeing the smile on His face

As He welcomes the poor as children with places at the table

Not a death, nor threat, nor power can ever separate us

From the love of God forever in Christ Jesus

Everything shall pass away but not the Word that's within us

It's the Kingdom of Jesus

4:06

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew.

Matthew 13:18-23

‘Hear then the parable of the sower. When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what is sown in the heart; this is what was sown on the path. As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet such a person has no root, but endures only for a while, and when trouble or persecution arises on account of the word, that person immediately falls away. As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the lure of wealth choke the word, and it yields nothing. But as for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.’

5:55

Grow Slow, Grow Deep

We Dream of Eden

In the parable of the sower, Jesus encourages us to explore how faith grows in our lives. He shows how the conditions need to be right for faith to grow, mature and bear fruit. Are there ways in which God’s word struggles to take root in you?

Now recall where your faith has borne fruit. Where have you seen love, patience or hope grow? Who has benefited from this fruit? Give thanks for the good soil that is enabling this flourishing.

As you listen to the parable again, imagine your heart as good soil – open, deep and receptive. Picture God’s word taking root, growing and bearing fruit in abundance, just as Jesus promises.

8:58

Matthew 13:18-23

‘Hear then the parable of the sower. When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what is sown in the heart; this is what was sown on the path. As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet such a person has no root, but endures only for a while, and when trouble or persecution arises on account of the word, that person immediately falls away. As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the lure of wealth choke the word, and it yields nothing. But as for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.’

10:35

As this time of prayer comes to an end, ask Jesus to cultivate more good soil in your life and the life of your community so that God’s word may flourish and lead to an abundant harvest.

12:25

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be

World without end

Amen