Initially this parable appears straightforward. The call is to listen in my heart and respond properly to the “word of the Kingdom”. It is even appears simpler in conjunction with the first reading. God’s plan to draw closer to him is laid out in the 10 Commandments. The Commandments give me guidance to help nourish me in the “rich soil.” I take comfort that I feel I’ve responded rightly to God’s calling as I’ve been growing along my life long journey with the Lord.

As I pondered this reading in the last week or so I began to take a different look at the Gospel reading. I look at my faith walk and began to discover that at various times I can play the part of the any of roles Christ describes. Do I sometimes become fired up for the faith, perhaps after a retreat or parish mission, but fall back into my old routine in short amount of time seeing this energy not take root? The answer to that is yes. Does defending my faith openly cause discomfort at time and cause me to back off? Once again yes. Certainly I often become too involved the world and all its riches. Worldliness is a struggle that is constant in the world we live in. Yet, despite the failings at times in my faith walk, I know I can overcome any shortcomings or roadblocks that are in the way. When I turn my will and life over to Christ good things happen. I see the fruits from the rich soil begin to bear fruit. I need to remember my journey towards spiritual growth is not a steady upward incline but a path with hills and valleys always knowing God is with me if I respond to his grace.