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Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
Jesus used what he could observe at the moment to communicate the most profound truths. We hear today Matthew’s parable of the sower. Jesus was so overwhelmed by the crowds that he taught them from a boat. He likely gazed up into the hills and noticed a farmer spreading seed in the traditional method of the people of that region. Many who live in urban areas tend to look at the bucolic scene of the farms we pass on the highway as images of peace and harmony. I learned during my college years in the farmland of central Minnesota that the life of a farmer is not only arduous but often perilous. The vicissitudes of the weather and a changing worldwide economy can have disastrous effects upon the lives of those who depend on the land for a living. The whole point of the parable from Matthew is to reflect on the conditions necessary for the Word of God to be planted, take root, and be productive. The events of this year have caused us to re-examine the ways in which we relate with one another in a radical way. This requires serious soul-searching, keen listening, and a willingness to dialogue. Unfortunately, these require patience, cooperation with what could be a lengthy process, and difficult decisions. St. Paul was well-aware of the painful nature of conversion; yet he was also conscious of the fact that a transformation was already occurring in the lives of those to whom he wrote in Rome. He saw evidence of the action of the Holy Spirit. Our very “groaning” within is proof that we and all creation are enduring labor pains that promise a new birth of hope!
Yours in Christ,
Fr. Bill Foley