3M Reflection & Hymn - Seeds of the Kingdom (Luke 8: 4-15)

Seeds of the Kingdom - Luke 8:4-15 C Wk 24 Saturday 0:00 Begin 3:02 Hymn Thanks for the 'Likes'. Please do subscribe if you haven't, and spread the Word. A Reflection on Luke 8:4–15 In Luke 8:4–15, Jesus tells the well-known Parable of the Sower. Crowds had gathered from many towns, eager to hear Him, and He chose to speak in an image that every listener could understand: seed scattered upon different kinds of soil. The story is simple, yet profound—inviting us not only to hear, but to examine the condition of our hearts. The seed is the Word of God. Its power does not depend on the sower’s skill, for God’s Word is always alive and active. What makes the difference is the soil—the openness of the heart that receives it. Some hearts are hardened, like the path, where the Word never takes root. Others receive with joy but lack depth, and faith withers in the heat of trial. Still others allow the thorns of distraction, wealth, and anxiety to choke growth. Yet, in good soil—hearts that are honest and receptive—the Word produces a harvest “a hundredfold.” This parable is not only descriptive but also invitational. Jesus asks us: What kind of soil am I? Do I allow His Word to remain only on the surface, or do I welcome it into the depth of my being? Do I give time for the Word to sink roots through prayer, silence, and reflection? Do I guard against the thorns of busyness, fear, and worldly attachments that so easily strangle spiritual growth? The good soil is not a matter of chance—it is cultivated. Farmers plough, water, and clear weeds to prepare the ground. Likewise, we are called to prepare our hearts: through humility, repentance, and perseverance. The harvest does not come overnight, but God promises fruitfulness to those who keep His Word with patient endurance. Ultimately, this parable is one of hope. Even if our hearts sometimes resemble rocky or thorny soil, God the patient Sower never ceases to scatter His Word. Each day He invites us anew to receive Him more deeply. With His grace, our lives can bear fruit—faith, love, and witness—that not only nourish us but also bless others, extending the reach of His kingdom. Let us pray. Lord Jesus, You are the divine Sower who scatters the seed of Your Word with generosity and love. Open our hearts to be good soil, receptive and deep, free from the hardness of pride, the shallowness of fear, and the thorns of worldly distraction. Give us patience to persevere when trials arise, and strength to clear away what hinders Your grace. May Your Word take root within us, bearing fruit of faith, hope, and love that nourishes others and glorifies the Father. Guide us always to hear, to keep, and to live Your Word with joy. Amen. Hymn: Seeds of the Kingdom Verse 1 O Lord, You sow with hands so kind, Your Word of life to heart and mind. Prepare our souls, O Spirit true, That fruit may grow in all we do. Verse 2 The path is hard, the soil is bare, But still You sow, for all You care. O break our pride, and till the ground, That grace abundant may abound. Chorus Seed of the Kingdom, fall on me, Rooted in love and purity. Through trial and storm, Lord, make me strong, Your Word my hope, my daily song. Verse 3 The rocks may rise, the thorns may choke, Yet still You speak, Your Word is spoke. O grant us hearts both deep and free, To guard Your truth with constancy. Chorus Seed of the Kingdom, fall on me, Rooted in love and purity. Through trial and storm, Lord, make me strong, Your Word my hope, my daily song. Bridge Lord, let Your Word within us grow, Till every nation comes to know. With lives transformed, Your Church will shine, The field made holy, Yours, divine. Verse 4 A harvest rich, a hundredfold, Your promise stands, forever told. In patient faith, we walk Your way, Till dawn reveals Your endless day. Chorus Seed of the Kingdom, fall on me, Rooted in love and purity. Through trial and storm, Lord, make me strong, Your Word my hope, my daily song. Your Word my hope, my daily song.