A LISTENING HEART

XV SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME: Mt 13:1-23

The parable of the sower can be approached from different angles. We can look at the seed or at the sower or at the soil where the seed is sowed. Jesus himself said the seed is the Word of the Kingdom of God, the Good News of salvation. It is a good and certified seed, so that the seed cannot be blamed for a poor harvest.

In the parable, the sower was Jesus Christ himself. He uses the broadcast method, where seeds are thrown wide, falling on a variety of places. The sower is the preacher, who proclaims the Good News, and he preaches in different places, at different times and to different people, whenever the opportunity arises.

Paul wrote to the Romans that it was his “ambition to proclaim the good news” (Ro 15:20), and he admonished Timothy to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ: 

“I solemnly urge you: proclaim the message; be persistent whether the time is favourable or unfavourable; convince, rebuke, and encourage, with the utmost patience in teaching” (2 Tm 4:1-2)

This ambition and this urgency on the part of the sower are essential for a good harvest. How can people believe, if they do not hear the word? How can be converted, if they are not challenged? How can they produce good fruits for eternal life, if they are not shown the way?

We must not proclaim the Gospel for personal gain or personal glory. It is a duty, and we shall be answerable for the way we preach or for our refusal to speak out and announce the good news.

The parable puts a lot of stress on the type of soil where the seed fell. The different types of soil represent different attitudes on the part of the audience. A listening attitude is essential. This listening attitude means openness of heart with an welcoming attitude and an effort at understanding. As one hears the message, he must allow himself to be questioned and challenged, in readiness to change. 

Jesus had noticed the different attitudes of those who came to him and moved around him. They came with different motives: while some were spying on him, others were moved by curiosity; some were in search of miracles, while others just followed the crowd. Many just passed by Jesus, while a few others were touched by him, and that encounter would remain a guiding star in their lives.

We cannot be disciples of Jesus Christ without this basic attitude of listening. In fact, listening and being touched and transformed by our listening is a corner stone in any relationship, and so in the relationship of faith with Jesus Christ.

The results will not be the same in each person, but all those who have a listening heart will produce fruits for eternal life.