I used to visit a fishermen’s village, Bualan, Mindanao during my missionary work in the Philippines. That village belonged to my parish and I was blessed to minister to them on a monthly basis. Everything was about fish and sea food in that village. Whenever I visited Bualan, people expected me to listen to them, understand, and wanted me to talk about the sea and fish, even during my homilies as well. Everything was about who they were and what they did. They were delighted when sometimes the gospel reading was about fish, fishing, or at least about the sea.
Being at St. Martin of Tours more than a year, I learned it is a parish of farmers and those who used to farm. Thus, I presume today’s readings about a sower will be well received and appreciated here.
I believe those who are farmers will not necessarily agree with the sower and the way he was sowing the seeds. I am certain there are easier and better ways to sow today. Moreover, I do not think the author of the gospel was a farmer and intended to teach people to farm.
The liturgical readings assigned for the 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time use the image of a farmer but it is not about agriculture at all. It is about God and our spiritual growth, thus let’s say, the theme of today’s liturgy is about “God’s farm.” The readings speak about generosity of God, who like a Sower pours out his Word and grace everywhere and to everyone. The Word of God and grace, which are the seeds in the parable, are given and accessible to everyone regardless who they are and what they do. Even the greatest sinners are loved by God unconditionally. Everyone is invited to “God’s farm” and to take part in God’s work.
We are the soil. Some of us are poorer, others had a better start to life, and some were lucky to be brought up close to God. We are all different and unique to God. It is up to us to accept God’s seed, reflect, understand and implement it in our lives. God wants us to be successful and happy. It is up to you and me to produce good fruit. Some of us are meant to bring thirty-fold, others fifty-fold and still others hundred-fold harvest.
Dear brothers and sisters wherever you are and whatever you do, you are included in “God’s farm.” As the community of St. Martin of Tours we try our best to do God’s work. Do not hesitate to come and join us. Please reach out to those who feel rejected and excluded. It is easier to be with others to do the work of God, and produce much fruit in the community, in “God’s farm,” rather than alone.
Fr. Andrzej