A person can go on a walk and hear the beautiful sound of a bird and think to themselves, that is a very nice sound, enjoy it, and keep walking on. Another person may hear the bird song, actually stop, and listen for a time and then move on. Still, another person may not only hear the sound, stop, and listen, but also look in the tree to see what type of bird is making that sound, identify it as a cardinal and then walk on.
Each person experienced the bird on different levels. Even the one who stopped to appreciate its song and take the time to identify it as a cardinal, still limited himself from experiencing the deeper wonder and uniqueness of this particular cardinal. God knows though. He knows this bird intimately, as he does with the entirety of his creation, including knowing each of us better than we know ourselves.
We may hear or read Jesus begin with these words of his parable: “A sower went out to sow his seed” (Luke 8:5). Our minds may go immediately to say to ourselves, “Oh, I know this parable well,” identify it like the person identifying the cardinal, and may even appreciate the parable, but then tune out because we have heard it before or many times before. We too would then miss the greater depth and wonder of what God wants to share with us.
Jesus helps his disciples to understand the parable when he tells them, “The seed is the word of God,” and then identifies how different people hear, and then act or not act on the word they have received. Those on the path of hard, traveled ground, the word is stolen by the devil; those representing rocky ground which has some soil “receive the word with joy” but since there is no depth in which to root, “they believe for only a time and fall away”; and that seed that fell among thorns was choked by the anxieties, riches, and pleasures of life. The final resting place was the best, “rich soil” symbolizing “those who embrace the word with a generous and good heart, and bear fruit through perseverance.”
God knows each of us, knows our deepest and authentic desires, our deepest wounds, our sins, and our greatest promise. He loves us, wants the best for us, and so shares his seed, his word with us in many ways.
Are we willing to open our hearts and minds to receiving the wonder of his guiding and leading, are we willing to be patient to not only receive and savor his word, but also put it into practice? Are we willing to place his word in a place of prominence so that the many diversions, anxieties, stresses, and strains don’t choke its life? Are we willing to be persistent and daily call to mind this gift God has given to us each day and allow it to flourish and grow in our lives?
Something as simple as, “God please plant your seed of love in my mind and my heart.” Or any word he gives you. Then continue to meditate, savor, and bring this phrase to your mind and allow it to dwell in your heart. After a few days, or even a few hours, there may be some lies that attempt to sneak in like vines to choke its growth. Resist them, renounce them, pull them out as you would weeds and just repeat this word or phrase or another like, “Jesus, I Trust in You”. Give your phrase all the room it needs to breathe and grow in you so that you may experience the greater depth and wonder from it that God wants to share with you. Each day we can gain something new.
Receiving, resting, and abiding in a phrase such as “Jesus I Trust in You” persistently, in challenging times, as well as tranquil times, will have more to offer you. It is like a key that opens the door to allow Jesus into your heart to dwell there. This practice allows you to receive the deeper meaning of putting your faith into action and you will not only trust Jesus more, but you will also know him more intimately, and continue to be transformed by his love for you.
Photo: Evening rosary walk, St. Vincent De Paul Regional Seminary, Boynton Beach, FL
Spiritual Stepping Stones 