Wednesday of Week 3 in Ordinary Time
Heb 10:11-18
Mk 4:1-20
“The secret of the kingdom of God is given to you...”
I have divided today’s reflection into four parts based on the four types of ground on which the seeds of the sower land.
The path
I tend to look out for the formation of paths in fields and grass patches. I find it interesting to observe how shortcuts are formed based on people’s decisions, and how a path could be created by many following in the footsteps of those before. But a path, though convenient, is also devoid of vegetation. The constant trampling by human feet would make sure of that. With reference to the parable, what kind of trampling would cause the immediate destruction of the seed? If we allow our hearts to be enslaved by false teachings or to be used by others in a way that completely block us from acknowledging that we are loved as children of God, there is no chance for the Word to take root in us.
The rocky soil
We live in an age that is particularly unfavourable to institutionalized religion. Many find it ridiculous to obey or submit to an institution’s teachings, and would rather forge their own moral path, deciding on their own principles to live by and rejecting those that do not appeal or make sense to them. It is not easy to separate one’s thoughts from such a worldview, and if the latter takes root and becomes the rocks in the soil, it would act against the teachings of Christianity, which require that we view the world through the lens of a faithful Christian and not changing worldviews.
The thorny soil
In Mark 10:17, a rich man asked Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life. While this man professed to have followed the commandments faithfully, he baulked at Jesus’ instruction to sell all his worldly possessions, choosing to forsake eternal life for the sake of material wealth. The thorns in the thorny soil represent the abundances in the earthly world that many of us cling on to while following Christ. In today’s world, we are often told to work hard for what we want, and that often comes in the form of wealth, power or prestige. Such worldly attachments prevent one from fully embracing God’s word.
The good soil
Simply put, the good soil is not only none of the above, but it is also a faith that bears fruit. Before a seed can develop into a plant that flowers and produces fruit containing seeds, the seed leaves (also known scientifically as cotyledons) shrivel as the stored nutrients are used up to enable the growth of a seedling. In this way, the seed must first die to bring forth new life. This constant dying to self is integral to maintaining a relationship with God. As we get closer to God, we will naturally be better equipped to bring others to Christ and be His instruments in sowing the Word.
(Today’s OXYGEN by Edith Koh)
Prayer: We pray that even during times of trial and crises of faith where we stray away from God and the church and end up with rocks, thorns or even barren land, there will be a time when we return to the embrace of God and become the good soil that He wills for us.
Thanksgiving: We give thanks for the ever abundant love of God, who sows the seeds of His Word indiscriminately so that all may have an opportunity to experience a conversion of heart, regardless of our background and dispositions.
OXYGEN 
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