Rev Tania writes: Two ideas that come together in this week’s readings are God’s Word and God’s Life – both of which are experienced through God’s Spirit.
In Genesis, God’s word about the wrestling twins is seen to be true as their relationship works itself out as the two boys grow into men. In Psalm 119, God’s word is proclaimed and celebrated as reliable and able to accomplish its purpose.
In Romans, God’s life is experienced through God’s Spirit who is available to us through Christ – the Word of God.
Finally, in the Gospel, Jesus speaks about the word of God as seed that is scattered and that fails to produce in various soils that are not optimal, but that, in good soil, provides abundance. At its heart, the Lectionary seeks to invite us this week to open our hearts to God’s Spirit, to receive God’s word and to embrace the abundant life that God seeks to give us.
Some Wondering Questions of the Parable of the Sower:
I wonder who the sower is? I wonder what the seed is? I wonder what the seed grows into? I wonder what the seeds has to do with our life?
I wonder what the path really is? I wonder what the path looks like? I wonder how the path relates to our life? How is our life a bit like the path?
I wonder who the rocks really are? I wonder what where and how there is soil amongst the rocks? I wonder how the rocks relate to our life? How is our life a bit like rocky ground?
I wonder what the thorns really are? I wonder whether the thorny plants have an agenda? I wonder how the thorns relate to our life? What and where are the thorns in our life?
I wonder what the good soil really is? I wonder what makes soil good? I wonder what good soil looks like and feels like? I wonder how the good soil relates to our life? How is our life a bit like good soil?
I wonder what the grain really is? I wonder who the grain is for? I wonder how or why the grain links to our life? My prayer for this week is that, as we explore God’s word, we will find a life-giving and liberating way to honour the Word in our worship. Amen!