Weekly HOMILY for July 13, 2008: Being Good Soil

15th Sunday of Ordinary Time, Cycle A
Our Lady of Grace
July 13, 2008

Being Good Soil
By (Rev. Msgr.) Nicholas P. Amato


The Bonsai and the Sequoia

Most of us have probably seen at least a picture of a Japanese Bonsai tree. It’s a small decorative oriental looking tree. When a young Bonsai sapling begins to sprout, it is carefully pulled up from the soil in which it is planted.

The taproot and some of the feeder roots are tied off and then the Bonsai is re-planted. The result is that the growth of the bonsai is deliberately stunted and it usually reaches only fifteen to eighteen inches in height.

In great contrast to the Japanese Bonsai is the gigantic California Sequoia. The Sequoia grows in the rich soil and enjoys the wonderful balance of rain and sun in California.

The result is that it has large and deep roots and grows very tall and very wide. There is one famous California Sequoia named the “General Sherman” that is 272 feet tall and 79 feet in circumference.

Obviously, the Bonsai and the Sequoia do not have a choice in determining where or how they will grow. But you and I do have a choice about where and how we will grow and that is the point of today’s Gospel.


The Soil

In this parable, the sower or farmer is Jesus himself and the seed is the Word of God.

The different types of soil stand for us. Each type of soil receives the seed to a different and varying degree.

It is we who need to decide whether we are going to be like the Bonsai or the Sequoia. We need to decide how we will let the Word of God take root in us?

If we are like the footpath or the rocky or thorny soil, the Word will not have deep roots and the result will be limited growth. We will be something like the Bonsai tree – good looking perhaps but not having reached our potential.

However, if we are like the good soil in the parable, the Word of God will have deep and healthy roots and the result will be significant growth. We will be something like the Sequoia tree.

To be like this good soil, I suggest that there is a three-step process for us to reach our potential as followers of Jesus and it is helpful for us to be aware of this.

The steps in the process are: (1) The Mind Step, (2) The Heart Step, and (3) The Body Step.


1. The Mind Step

First, the Mind Step:

This is the step where we hear or read the Word of God. We are consciously trying to listen to Jesus’ words and understand what they mean.

So, for example, Jesus calls us to love our enemies and always to forgive others.

Does this mean that we are just supposed to be a doormat and expose ourselves to injury? That does not seem to harmonize with Jesus’ other saying about loving one another, and to do so as we love ourselves.

Perhaps Jesus means that we are to see “getting back at others” – an eye for an eye; a tooth for a tooth mentality – as a dead end and at least not to return evil for evil.

Yes, in Step 1 – the Mind Step – we are trying to understand what Jesus means.


2. The Heart Step

Step 2 is the Heart Step.

Here we try to see how the Word of God as we understand it applies specifically to our hearts, to us.

So, am I holding a grudge against someone for something that was said or done in the past?

Do I consistently try to put down, or in some way get back at, my spouse or friend or fellow employee?

In this Heart Step, I am asking: “Is God’s Word speaking directly, personally to me this morning?”


3. The Body Step

Finally, Step 3 is the Body Step.

Here we physically resolve to do something. (1) We have understood what Jesus is saying and (2) We have looked at how it applies to us, and now (3) We resolve to act on it.

So, instead of ignoring or not speaking with someone, am I willing at least to be cordial and respectful?

Instead of engaging in “getting back” or “getting even” behavior, am I willing at least to pray for the well-being of someone who has offended me?

Yes, in this “Body” Step, I am trying to do something. I am trying to respond and allow the Word of God to affect who I am and what I do.


Conclusion

It is my belief that if we approach the Scripture with this three-step process – (1) The Mind Step, (2) The Heart Step, and (3) The Body Step, then we have indeed become the “good soil” of today’s parable.

Then the Word of God can really take root in us. And then we can really grow to our potential as persons – something like the giant California Sequoia tree.