Posted by The WORD in other words (2006) by Father Antolin Uy SVD – Divine Word Seminary of Tagaytay
Thursday 16th Week in Ordinary Time
Jesus, the master storyteller, used parables to convey truths hidden beneath simple images. Parables invite us to discover meaning freely, for God never compels belief—He respects our freedom.
In the Parable of the Sower, the focus is not so much on the seed but on the soil. The Word of God, like seed, is powerful, yet its fruitfulness depends on how it is received. “The seed is the word of God” (Luke 8:11). Some reject it outright, others receive it superficially, and still others allow it to be choked by worldly anxieties, wealth, and distractions (Matthew 13:22).
We Filipinos often speak of ningas cogon—initial enthusiasm that quickly dies out. This is a vivid image of shallow soil: faith that begins with zeal but lacks depth to endure. Even when we accept the Word, it may not thrive if our hearts are preoccupied with too many concerns other than the Lord.
The parable reminds us that the true measure of discipleship is not mere hearing but living the Word. “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only” (James 1:22).
When Matthew’s Gospel was composed toward the end of the first century, the Church was growing but also showing weakness. Yet the Word proved powerful. By the 4th century, seven million of the fifty million inhabitants of the Roman Empire were Christians—a phenomenal growth, despite persecution and trials.
The concern of the parable, however, is not numbers but personal response. Not all who call themselves Christians live as Christ desires. As then, so now. We accept the Lord, but often fail to live Him.
There was a time when it was easy to rise early for Mass, to join the Visita Iglesia during Holy Week, and to admit honestly: “Lord, I could have done more for You.” Today, distractions and worldly pursuits often take precedence. Yet we must not fear. Unlike Lucifer who fell once and never rose again, we may fall and rise repeatedly. “Though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again” (Proverbs 24:16).
There is inherent power in the Word—like seed—that, once nurtured, enriches our Christian life. “The word of God is living and active” (Hebrews 4:12).
The parable asks us: What kind of soil are we? Will we allow the Word to take root, grow, and bear fruit in our lives? With humility and perseverance, we can cultivate hearts that welcome the seed, so that our lives may yield a harvest of faith, hope, and love.
