Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 (NRSV)
Read Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 on biblegateway.com
Chapter 13That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the sea. Verse 2Such great crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat there, while the whole crowd stood on the beach. Verse 3And he told them many things in parables, saying: "Listen! A sower went out to sow. Verse 4And as he sowed, some seeds fell on the path, and the birds came and ate them up. Verse 5Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and they sprang up quickly, since they had no depth of soil. Verse 6But when the sun rose, they were scorched; and since they had no root, they withered away. Verse 7Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. Verse 8Other seeds fell on good soil and brought forth grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. Verse 9Let anyone with ears listen!" Verse 18"Hear then the parable of the sower. Verse 19When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what is sown in the heart; this is what was sown on the path. Verse 20As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; Verse 21yet such a person has no root, but endures only for a while, and when trouble or persecution arises on account of the word, that person immediately falls away. Verse 22As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the lure of wealth choke the word, and it yields nothing. Verse 23But as for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty."
Devotion
They sprang up quickly, since they had no depth of soil. Many things spring up quickly in our consumer-driven society in the U.S., from the latest technology to fashion trends. These things often seem to be replaced as quickly as they come about. This can also be a problem when it comes to faith. Of course it's good to be excited and enthusiastic about our faith, but when we have only the same type of excitement about God as we do about a new smartphone, it is bound to fade away.
Truthfully, there is little that is shiny or glamorous about following Jesus; it takes work and depth to live in love and service. There will be dark and challenging times as we follow Jesus; quick and fleeting enthusiasm simply will not do. As you seek to build your own faith and to disciple others, take your time and seek nourishment, that the roots of your faith may grow deep.
Prayer
Holy one, as we seek to follow your way, nourish a faith that takes deep root within us, a faith that evolves and grows along our journey. Amen.