“And others are like the seed planted on the good ground. They hear the teaching and accept it. Then they grow and produce a good crop—sometimes 30 times more, sometimes 60 times more, and sometimes 100 times more.” Mark 4: 20

Good ground. What does that look like? Good ground is fertile soil, ready to sustain whatever is planted in it.

In the parable of the seed, Jesus speaks about the seed being planted in several different places. Where the seed is planted determines what happens to it.  The seed is the word of God that provides the principles by which we should live. The first take away is whatever we do in this life has consequences. We do not necessarily see it as we act.  We may believe we are doing the best thing.  We never know what will happen.  We must therefore ensure that our hearts are of good soil, so that in our actions we do our best to guarantee good results.  Good soil must be maintained and nourished. Its goodness can be used up, making the soil less productive over time.

Secondly, allowing ourselves to be fertile ground means we come with an open heart. We are ready to nurture the word we are given. Ready to listen, to mull over it and to see how we can best practice it in our lives.  Whatever comes into our heart, we improve it before passing it on.the word or action leaves our heart better said and with a better vibe. Take for instance someone says something that angers you. Instead of responding in anger or to the anger, you seek to understand why this was said. You also answer in such a way to diffuse the tension.

As an agriculturist, I know that good soil can be made. Even the best soil sometimes requires added nutrients to produce certain crops.  Paul in 1 Corinthians 3 speaks about building on a foundation.  He says no one can lay any foundation other than the one that is laid.  It therefore is our task to ensure that the soil of our soul is of good quality.  We must nurture it. We must feed it so we will bear good fruit – the fruit of the spirit.

How do we feed our heart? Reading and discussing the scripture, singing songs or hymns of praise. Yes these help to reinforce what is already there. Like the prophets of old we observe, reflect on what God is doing and respond.  As good Christians, we not only want to maintain and preserve the soul. We must also seek to develop a deeper relationship suited for the times we are living in.  We must develop new skills for the times we are in.  We must constantly think about where God active and respond as we see appropriate. New things happen every day to which one must respond and adapt. For example sending a letter by post versus sending an email. Having a telephone conversation versus sending a voice note on WhatsApp.  The voice note on WhatsApp can be left at any hour of the day. A telephone conversation can only be had during business hours or a polite time for friendly conversations.  

Another good example of reflecting on current events and responding is the Feast of Christ the King. We celebrated this last Sunday.  This feast day was not celebrated or commemorated by the early Christians. It started in 1925. The 1st world war had ended, but the world was unsettled. Rumblings of a second war were in the making. It was decreed during a time of unrest. The world and Christians needed a reminder that Jesus was Lord of everything. This assurance was necessary despite what the world powers thought or what was happening.  The pope, at that time, saw the world needed nurturing. He realized this was essential to move forward after a world war. People needed a safe and comforting space.  Keeping the feast every year serves as a reminder to us all. No matter what is going on in our lives or in the world, it does not change who Jesus is. It also doesn’t change who God is.  Jesus is supreme. 

Being good soil constantly and consistently is not easy. It requires a lot of effort to nurture. You need to examine what needs to be done to maintain a high level of productivity. Avoid becoming lukewarm.  But god gives us grace and sustenance to do so. May God our Heavenly Father, continue to grant us the peace and stillness. May He give us the wisdom to discern how to grow and produce good fruit. Grant us the courage to allow ourselves to be molded into good soil, and enable us to nurture others as they need it.