After speaking in parables to a large crowd on the shore of the Sea of Tiberias, Jesus turns to his disciples and explains to them the profound meaning of his words.
The protagonist of our story is the Word of God, compared to a small and fragile seed. Stones, thorns, and birds can prevent it from germinating, taking root, and producing ripe ears of grain, but the wise sower knows its surprising vitality.
Through these images, Jesus reveals the relationship between humanity and the Word that God offers abundantly, but some receive it while others, for various reasons, let it fall by the wayside without it bearing fruit. Indeed, in the human heart, superficiality and excessive material concerns threaten the miracle of the supernatural life that God himself desires to kindle in his creatures.
Jesus also invites us, as he did the disciples, to enter into the humble mystery of God's love, and at the same time he challenges us personally about a decision: what kind of "ground" do we want to be?
«"The one who received the seed on good soil is the one who hears the word and understands it: this one bears fruit."».
Listening and understanding: this seems to be the secret that makes us a welcoming ground, where the seed of the Word can express its strength and bear good fruit.
How valuable it is to be available to listen! It is the spiritual space to let in the life of God, who always precedes us with his mercy, with the patience of the worker who knows and respects the times of maturation.
The words of God, as Chiara Lubich writes, «illuminate not only the mind but the whole being, because they are light, love, and life. They give peace—the peace that Jesus calls his own: “my peace”—even in moments of turmoil and anguish. They give complete joy even in the midst of the pain that sometimes grips the soul. They give strength, especially when dejection or discouragement arises. They set us free because they open the way to Truth. […] A passionate love for the Word of God must also be born within us: let us receive it attentively when it is proclaimed to us in churches, let us read it, study it, meditate on it… But above all, we are called to live it. […] By living a Word of Jesus, we live the whole Gospel, because in each of his words he gives himself completely, he himself comes to live in us […] and replaces our way of thinking, willing, and acting in all circumstances of life.»[1].
«"The one who received the seed on good soil is the one who hears the word and understands it: this one bears fruit."».
Wambil from Mexico tells us: «There was a time when I felt trapped in a deep hole. I was immersed in an abusive relationship, trying to escape and fix everything on my own. Influenced by social media and the noise of the outside world, I often chased things that weren't part of God's plan. Despite all my efforts, I still felt empty and without purpose. I knew that love is a universal language, so I started volunteering, and I found a way of acting that could only come from God. Over time, I discovered a place to hear His Word and grow in my relationship with Him. I am deeply grateful.».
Even when we feel like barren, stony ground, the same Word is effective, as the prophet Isaiah reveals: «As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return there without watering the earth, making it bud and flourish, […] so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it» (Es 55, 10-11).
Sustained by this hope, in a time dominated by fears and tensions, let us also cultivate trust in the women and men with whom we share our lives. Let us trust in their capacity to bear good fruit and to create opportunities for listening and dialogue, so that we may walk together toward the horizon of fraternity.
Letizia Magri and the Word of Vine teamto
[1] C. Lubich, Word of Life, March 2003: Ciudad Nueva no. 396 (2003/3), pp. 24-25.
