My Dad’s garden was always fruitful. Like the rest of my family, I certainly enjoyed its produce. However, such a bountiful garden came about as the result of much labor, the least appealing for me being the constant summer task of weeding and removing pests, but with care not to damage the vegetable plants that were in the mix. The soil was reliably fertile, but many unwanted obstacles could hinder its purpose. It did not require much time for me to learn that a good harvest could never be taken for granted.
 
In today’s Gospel reading from Matthew, chapter 13, Jesus preaches the parable of the sower and the seeds, which begins a series of parables that will be proclaimed over the next two Sundays. Today’s lesson sets the stage. In the upcoming weeks, Jesus will teach about what his Heavenly Father’s kingdom is like, while the parable of the sower and the seeds addresses what and how we should be like.
 
Some parables focus on the harvest. However, it is after learning the importance of the seed which falls to the ground that we hear of a harvest, the seed producing fruit, a “hundred or sixty or thirtyfold.” All along you can discern the goodness of being rich soil, which provides a place of nurture for God’s word to flourish and is also nurtured by the same word that takes root.
 
The starting point is the work of the sower. God not only takes the initiative but does so almost with abandon. The seed is sown, indeed scattered, so that all corners of life and people in all settings receive his message, the blessings he offers. We – our very existence, our intellect and all our gifts - are the fruit of his generous love for us.
 
The initiative is divine, but it generates inclusion. We are not only cared for but included in God’s work.  In the first reading, the prophet Isaiah speaks the Lord’s mind to us : “Yet just as from the heavens the rain and snow come down and do not return there till they have watered the earth, making it fertile and fruitful ….So shall my word be that goes forth from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but shall do what pleases me, achieving the end for which I sent it.”
 
The parable reminds us that God keeps giving and in a generous, unbridled manner, but with purpose: our salvation, to nourish and keep us in relationship with him, but fruitfully.
 
After the parable, when Jesus gives the detailed explanation, he shifts the parable’s emphasis to the disciples and, indeed, us and all who seek to follow him. The possibility of much fruit is always present, but questions arise. How do we receive God and his graces? Does his word, the proclamation of his kingdom, resonate with us and take root in our hearts and bear fruit? Is Christ made visible in our words and actions?
 
The seed can die or be consumed or destroyed quickly, but the harvest, being truly fruitful, does not usually come about quickly. Time is necessary due to our needs and demonstrates God’s loving patience. St. Peter’s wisdom is helpful here as he writes at the end of his second letter, “And consider the patience of our Lord as salvation.” God’s word expresses his love and care for us. His goodness is magnified when our response is one of gratitude and expressive of the same love through generosity to others.  
 
Even after nearly 2,000 years, the parables of the Lord Jesus still have the uncanny ability to fascinate and challenge us. One reason is that human nature, even amid all that modern life offers us, has not changed so much. Sin persists; we falter and waver. We know that well. God’s response is to keep giving to us, not because he expects results, but because he is generous and “rich in mercy.” The Lord can do no other.
 
Our fruitfulness demonstrates the effects of his attention, but also makes real what we are capable of accomplishing and who we are capable of becoming. God knows that and is always willing to wait for it to happen.