scaterers of seed

Scatter seed on the land. (Mark 4:26)

Have you ever planted seeds from a packet and sat back to see what would happen? With very little attention—just a little water and some sunshine—you soon see little sprouts popping up through the soil. It’s like watching a miracle!

This is similar to what the sower in today’s parable does. His method may not be the best in terms of growing a food crop, but it does illustrate an approach to evangelization that probably feels more natural to us.

Sometimes, when we feel the Spirit nudging us to reach out to someone, we can overthink it: “What will I say? What will I do? What if he asks a question I can’t answer?” But that wouldn’t be the situation if we were to sow the seeds of the gospel as liberally as this farmer. Perhaps there are ways to reach out and bless people without it feeling forced or uncomfortable.

Start by thinking about your personality. Are you an encourager? Or maybe you find little ways to help a co-worker who always seems overworked. Or you might love spending time with people, or you like to bring people little gifts that make them happy: a cup of coffee on a cold morning or a plate of cookies for an afternoon snack at the office.

Guess what? These are all “seeds” you can sow. They are much more than kind gestures; they are signs that you are actively going out of your way to bless the people around you.

Now, imagine that a prayer is behind every seed, a prayer that your gesture will help draw that person a little closer to Christ. What power could be released!

As you go about your day, don’t worry about how to talk to someone about your faith. Just live your life with a focus on the people around you. That’s the secret to evangelization. Your witness may come through words, but it may come through consistently loving and caring for someone who needs it. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t see fruit right away. Today’s parable reassures us that the seeds are growing and sprouting, almost of their own accord. Your job is just to scatter as many of them as you can.

“Lord, teach me to be a scatterer of seeds that will draw people to you!”

from wau.org

Seeds

Hear this! (Mark 4:3)

When a naval commander issues urgent or serious information, he barks out, “Now hear this!” It means stop what you’re doing, and listen carefully to what follows.

Jesus uses strikingly similar words in today’s Gospel reading. He wants everyone listening to pay careful attention to what he is about to say: “A sower went out to sow …” (Mark 4:3). 

Perhaps you’ve wondered which group you belong in: the footpath, rocky ground, thorny soil, or rich soil. But Jesus wasn’t establishing a hierarchy of spirituality. All three of the first types of soil proved equally unhealthy to the seed. No, Jesus wanted to tell his hearers that in the kingdom of God, everyone’s life can be rich soil. Those outside the kingdom receive everything “in parables,” God’s gentle nudges intended to move them toward the kingdom (Mark 4:2). But those who have entered the kingdom have the capacity to receive insights about God that remain hidden from those who have yet to embrace the Lord.

Your life is rich soil! It has been prepared—by your training in the faith, your reception of the sacraments, and your prayer life—to receive the “seed” that falls on it, and to produce fruit. Do you hear the word of God? Well, accept it wholeheartedly the best you can, and allow the Holy Spirit to make it bear fruit in your life. When you become aware of how you may fall short, declare: “My life is rich soil.” Then ask the Holy Spirit to fertilize that area of your life so that it begins to bear fruit.

Ask the Lord to sow seeds of patience, gentleness, or peace in you. Ask him to provide you with whatever will cause these seeds to grow. Moments of kindness, flashes of wisdom or understanding, impulses to show hospitality—these are not random events. They are evidence that your life is good soil.

So when any Scripture passage resonates in you or stirs your heart, hear this. Heed it and dwell on it. You are more than capable of bearing rich fruit!

“Jesus, help me to hear your word and accept it with all my heart so that I will bear fruit for you.”

A servant's heart

He said to him, “See that you tell no one anything.” … The man went away and began to publicize the whole matter. (Mark 1:44, 45)

In the early eighth century, St. Bede, an English monk, proposed a unique angle on today’s Gospel. Updated to contemporary style, Bede’s insight still feels fresh.

“Why did Jesus order this miraculous healing to be concealed? For we see that the man couldn’t contain himself, not even for an hour! The reason why Jesus ordered his action to be kept secret … was actually for us, today. It’s so that we could learn from his example: like Jesus, we too should yearn to remain concealed in the great things that we do. Yet, even though we’re reluctant, we should be brought to light for the good of other people.”

You can imagine the tension between two desires at work here. First is the desire to remain anonymous. Second is the desire to share an amazing spiritual accomplishment for the inspiration of the people around us. Both desires are holy, of course. But in today’s Gospel, the second one wins out.

What does that mean for us? For one, it means that we should try to imitate Jesus. He wasn’t searching for recognition. On the contrary, he actually hoped no one would find out about the miracle he had just performed. His motive was simply love, not the limelight. 

On the other hand, when God’s work in our lives is brought to light, it can bring about tremendous good for other people. We might be hesitant to speak about specific ways that God is helping us to grow or how he’s moving through us. But testifying to his grace is often the holiest response we can make—especially if it goes against our personality!

One caution: as you share your story, make sure to emphasize God’s role in it. What you say may inspire someone to turn to the Lord. That’s how the people who heard about the leper’s healing responded. They went streaming out of their towns to find Jesus in the wilderness.

Yes, talking about yourself is a little risky. But sometimes, you should take the chance because the reward can be very sweet for the people around you. 

from wau.org

Believe these words!!

After John had been arrested … (Mark 1:14)

John’s arrest was big news. Bad news. Heartbreaking and lamentable news. Yet though it heralded the end of John the Baptist’s ministry, it wasn’t the end of the story. Herod’s malice could not halt the plans of God. John came preaching the good news of repentance and forgiveness, and when Herod had him imprisoned, Jesus continued John’s preaching. He even added to it. He continued John’s call to repentance, but he also announced, “The Kingdom of God is at hand” and called everyone to “believe in the Gospel” (Mark 1:15).

In the face of bad news, which we all face at one time or another, Jesus urges all of us, Believe the good news. Believe it despite the bad or heartbreaking or lamentable news. Choose to focus your thoughts and emotions on the truth of the kingdom of God. Remind yourself of all of the promises and proclamations Jesus has given us:

   • “I am with you always, until the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20)

   • “I will never forget you.” (Isaiah 49:15)

   • “In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world.” (John 16:33)

   • “I make all things new.” (Revelation 21:5)

Believe these words! Write them down, and put them where you will see them every day. Make promises like these the “news” that fills your thoughts and lifts your heart.

God’s plans can never be defeated—not by John’s arrest or Jesus’ death or the devil’s malevolence. Not by rulers or schemes or any sin or misfortune in your life. Believe the good news: you have been born, through baptism, into Jesus’ death and resurrection, into a living hope. God is keeping a careful watch over your life. Because you believe in him, you can hold onto his promises when you are feeling discouraged or frightened. Jesus has won for you a place in his kingdom; he has made the good news a reality for you. Let these truths sink into your heart so that you can know peace in the midst of difficulty or sorrow.

"I will do it"

Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean. (Luke 5:12)

Obviously this man had faith. He sincerely believed that Jesus could heal him. Still, it seems he wasn’t sure if Jesus would heal him. Having a disfiguring skin disease may have made him unwilling to ask for help. Also, many in his day viewed leprosy as the result of sin. Imagine the shame this man must have been bearing!

But none of this mattered to Jesus. The man’s belief that Jesus could do the impossible and the fact that he was reaching out for help were all he needed. And so in this story, we have an illustration of something Jesus later told his apostles: “If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you would say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you” (Luke 17:6). The man had faith, and the impossible happened.

This is the kind of faith that Jesus is looking for in us—not perfect faith, mind you; just enough to yield to him. But like this fellow, we may believe that God can bless and heal; we’re just not sure he wants to do it for us. We may feel unworthy of his attention. We may think that some sin from our past disqualifies us. Or we may question our own faith, and so hesitate to reach out to the Lord for healing.

To each of these fears—and whatever other obstacles we may face—Jesus offers a very simple response: “I will do it” (Luke 5:13). He assures you of his love for you. He smiles when you think he will condemn you. He even laughs a bit at your thought that you don’t matter to him. “Of course you matter! Come over here, and let me embrace you,” he says with a warm smile.

What areas in your life need the touch of Jesus? Whatever they are, believe that he wants to help you. Let him heal your illness or help you accept it. He may help you reconcile with an old friend or family member. Maybe he will provide for a need you didn’t know you had. Whatever the case, believe that he can, and that he wants to, work!

from wau.org

Day of endings and beginnings

He was in the beginning with God. (John 1:2)

John’s Gospel begins with a beautiful hymn describing “the Word,” which was with God since the very beginning. Any Jewish people reading this passage would have recognized this idea. In the creation story told in Genesis, God “speaks” things into existence—“Let there be light… . Let the earth bring forth vegetation,” and so on (Genesis 1:3, 11). It’s a sign of God’s creative power that every single word he utters brings forth something new, vibrant, and wondrous. That’s how powerful God’s Word is!

But as familiar as the idea of God’s creative word must have been, John introduces a whole new revelation: God’s Word is not only creative, it’s not only powerful, and it’s not only eternal. The Word of God is a Person. John wrote that he was with God in the beginning, not it was with God in the beginning. Then John went even further to say that this Person came and dwelt among us: Jesus, the Messiah!

You may have heard the biblical phrase “the Alpha and the Omega” (Revelation 21:6; 22:13). It’s a way of talking about how Jesus was at the very beginning of everything and will be at the very end. It’s another way of saying he is the first word and the last word of creation.

We’re at the end of 2015. Can you see how he was there with you throughout the year? We’re also on the cusp of 2016. Can you now expect him to be with you from the very first millisecond after the clock strikes midnight?

When the Word of God is present, he is active, not just a spectator! He is always speaking new life, forgiveness, guidance, and renewal. He is always speaking redirection, encouragement, insight, and love. The sun rises on a new year because he gladly calls it to. And if anything has fallen into darkness in the past year, he only has to speak, and light will shine on it in the year to come.

So with gratitude, thank Jesus for all the blessings of 2015; with trust, surrender to him its sorrows and disappointments; and with hope, ask him, the Alpha and Omega, to speak words of grace into the year to come.

“Word of God, let this day of endings and beginnings be a reminder of your constant presence.

 

from wau.org

Plan for growth

Do not love the world or the things of the world. (1 John 2:15)

How magical life feels during this week between Christmas and New Year’s Day! As far as the Church is concerned, we are still in the Octave of Christmas. And as far as the world is concerned, the holiday season is still in full swing. Candles still give off their warm glow. Christmas trees remain in many homes. Families are spending more time together, and children are still basking in the mirth of the season. 

So why, in the midst of all these good feelings, is John warning us not to love the world? Why caution us against “sensual lust, enticement for the eyes, and a pretentious life” (1 John 2:16)? Does he like being a killjoy?

Not at all. Just a few verses before these warnings, John gives a litany of all the blessings that are ours because of Christmas: Our sins are forgiven. We can know “him who is from the beginning.” We can even know victory over the evil one (1 John 2:12-14). Surely there is much to rejoice over!

John gives us this warning because he knows how tricky life in the world can be. He knows that the Christian life is a matter of ongoing change and transformation. None of us really “arrives” at perfect holiness. It’s a journey filled with joy and fear, an adventure that has its triumphs and defeats.

Brothers and sisters, God has so much that he wants to give us. And the devil has so much that he wants to tempt us with. So no matter how far we’ve come, there is always more awaiting us: more grace and love from the throne of God. Greater transformation into the image of Christ. More healing of our past and more hope for our future. And there will never be an end to the obstacles, the challenges, and the temptation to rest on our laurels and stop seeking after the Lord.

So as the Octave of Christmas winds down, take time to rejoice in the marvelous gifts God has given you. But begin also to make a plan for growth in the coming year. And always remember: Jesus is with you no matter what!

“Lord, protect me from the snares of this world. Today, help me remember who you are and all that you have done in me. Jesus, I want to know you even more!”

from wau.org