Only But Be

“The seed is the word of God, Christ is the sower.
All who come to him will have life forever.”

Verse before the Gospel, 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A

Have you ever wondered what your purpose in life might be? Perhaps this thought came at a time in your life where nothing you did seemed to be enough. Or maybe it came to you when everything in your life was going well. For Christians, this question is a little bit different. This question is posed within the context of a relationship: “What might God’s plan be for my life?” or “How will God’s will be done in my life?” For Christians, our purpose is not simply self-satisfaction or happiness, it is a joy that comes from unity and communion with each other and with God.

The Parable of the Sower as presented to us in this Sunday’s Gospel reading gives us some insight as to how we might be able to come to know our purpose in life. (First, always knowing that this purpose only makes sense within the context of a loving relationship). Jesus tells the people about seed that is scattered throughout different types of soil and earth and the outcome of those seeds. We are told that some seeds fell on the path and others among thorns, and even others on rocky ground and rich soil. The seeds on the path were eaten up, those on among thorns were choked, those on rocky ground sprouted but withered, and those on the soil grew and had manifolds of fruit. We are told in the verse before the Gospel that “the seed is the word of God, Christ is the sower.” Hence, the type of land is the disposition of our hearts.

If we were to ask ourselves right now what type of soil can our hearts be compared to, what might we say? Are we the path who simply listens but does not ponder? Are we the rocky ground who at first is zealous and enthusiastic but later lose interest? Are we the garden of thorn bushes that allows the worldly things take over our lives? Are we the rich soil that is receptive and welcomes the nutrients that come our way? The type of soil that we till in our hearts will impact how we listen and how we respond to God, and as such, how we come to understand and know God’s plan and purpose for our lives. Like the soil, we only but need to “be,” and allow God to work within our hearts. God does not ask of us to be perfect before He reveals anything to us. In fact, as St. Paul tells us, Christ died for us while we were still sinners. God only asks that we but “be.” Be still and listen. Be still and hear His voice. Be still and allow His love to enfold you.

Once we have allowed God inside of hearts and allowed Him to tend to the gardens of our hearts, the seeds sown will slowly bear fruit. He will give us sunlight and water. And, He will fertilize the soil with rich nutrients — the grace that comes from the sacraments. We need only but to be and God will reveal Himself to us. When we have learned to listen well to Him, then we can go out and do the things that will lead us deeper in relationship with Him and with others.