Sower
James Tissot, 1894

My dear friends,

Today, I would like to offer a commentary on the parable of the sower as told in the Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 13, verses 1-9 and 18-23. This parable speaks to us about the importance of cultivating fertile ground within ourselves in order to receive the teachings of wisdom and to grow spiritually.

In this parable, a sower goes out to sow seeds, but some fall on rocky ground, some on shallow soil, and some among thorns. Only the seeds that fall on good soil are able to grow and produce a fruitful harvest. Jesus later explains that the seed represents the word of God, and the different types of soil represent different types of people who hear the word.

These seeds can be understood to represent the teachings of Jesus that stimulate the potential for compassion and wisdom that we all carry within us. This potential is present in every human being, regardless of their religion or culture. However, the extent to which the seeds of the teachings can grow and flourish within us depends on the condition of our inner soil.

The rocky ground represents those who hear the word but do not take it to heart. They may be too busy with their own concerns or too distracted by the external world to really absorb the teachings. As a result, the seeds of wisdom and compassion are unable to take root in their hearts and bear fruit.

The shallow soil represents those who hear the word and are initially excited by it, but their enthusiasm quickly fades away. These people may lack the commitment and perseverance needed to cultivate a deep and lasting spiritual practice. As a result, the seeds of wisdom and compassion are unable to grow and flourish within them.

The thorns represent those who hear the word but are too attached to their worldly desires and distractions. They may want to cultivate spiritual qualities, but they are not willing to let go of their attachment to material possessions, status, or other forms of self-grasping. As a result, the seeds of wisdom and compassion are choked by the thorns of attachment and cannot bear fruit.

Finally, the good soil represents those who hear the word, take it to heart, and cultivate the conditions for the seeds of wisdom and compassion to grow and flourish within them. These people are willing to commit to a deep and sustained spiritual practice, let go of their attachments, and cultivate the inner qualities of patience, perseverance, and loving-kindness. As a result, the seeds of wisdom and compassion take root in their hearts and bear fruit in the form of genuine spiritual realization and transformation.

The parable of the sower reminds us of the importance of cultivating fertile ground within ourselves in order to receive the teachings of wisdom and to grow spiritually. Let us all reflect on the condition of our inner soil, and make a sincere effort to cultivate the conditions for the seeds of wisdom and compassion to grow and flourish within us. May we all be like the good soil and bear the fruit of genuine spiritual realization and transformation.