Guarding the Good Seed

Reflection 45 from Matters of the Heart, a series of Orthodox reflections on faith and life.

“Therefore hear the parable of the sower” – Matthew 13:18

See Also:

Luke 8:4-15

Our Lord, the Sower, sows His Seed among us in abundance and with great love. This Seed is His very Word which can bring about a rich harvest and good fruit in an otherwise barren land. But the emphasis of this Lord’s parable is on how this Seed is received. For the Seed that falls by the wayside describes those who accept the precious Word but do not store it within their hearts for safekeeping. Whilst the Seed that lands on rock refers to those who receive the Word without allowing it to penetrate deep within their hearts, and when difficult times strike, they are unable to endure. Then there are the ones that fall among the thorns, those who are choked by worldly affairs and momentary pleasures, disregarding the need to cultivate the Word of God within their hearts. But those who are saved stand in contrast, for they receive the Word, safeguard it, and nurture it in order that it may bear fruit, and all this they do with patient endurance.

Prayer

Lord, may Your Word continually dwell within me and may it grow to produce fruit worthy of Your labour.

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