Genesis 25: 19-34:  In this week’s Old Testament reading God again brings life out of barrenness.  Isaac, the son of the promise, and Rebekah, also of “good stock”, have no children.  Ultimately, they, like Abraham and Sarah, must trust that God will provide life in the midst of barrenness.  In contrast, Jacob and Esau, the twin sons born to Isaac and Rebekah, act as if they could resolve inheritance and property rights through their own efforts.  Intriguingly, their actions lead to the implementation of God’s purpose.  Human ingenuity in this case is an instrument of divine purpose.  This story foreshadows Joseph’s statement to his brothers at the end of Genesis, “Even though you intended to harm me, God intended it for good.”

Romans 8: 1-11: In his letter to the church in Rome, Paul contrasts two different ways of life, two opposing relationships with God.  On the one hand, those who live “according to the flesh” are slaves to sin and live in rebellion against God.  This leads to death.  Others live “according to the Spirit.”  They live under God’s rule.   This leads to renewal of life and peace as the Spirit of God dwells within them.

Matthew 13: 1-9, 18-23:  The Gospel reading is part of a collection of seven parables that constitutes the third of Jesus’ five major discourses in Matthew’s Gospel.  These parables will be the focus of the Gospel readings for the next three weeks and the principal theme is the question of why some hear and accept the Gospel and why others don’t.  This week’s Gospel centers on the parable of the sower.  However, it might also be called the parable of the soil. 

As Herb can tell you, for a garden to be productive you need good seed, but you must also have good soil.  In this week’s parable, the sower casts the seeds broadly; some grow into fruitful plants and others don’t.  The seeds are good and represent the teachings of Jesus, the proclamation of the Kingdom of God.  It is the soil that determines the varied responses to the Gospel.  While much of the seed falls on unproductive soil, the seed that falls into good soil will produce an abundant crop.  The proclamation of the Kingdom of God will yield success.  Our task, our calling, is to sow the seed, to proclaim the Kingdom of God in word and deed.

God’s peace,

Bill+.