“Thus says the Lord: Just as from the
heavens the rain and snow come down
and do not return there till they have
watered the earth, making it fertile and
fruitful, giving seed to the one who
sows, and bread to the one who eats, so
shall my word be that goes forth from
my mouth, my word shall not return to
me void…achieving the end for which I
sent it.”
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As our own gardens are bursting with
colorful flowers and the vegetable plants
continue to grow, the image of the seed,
fertility and fruitfulness are so appropriate.
The prophet Isaiah, writing six
centuries before the Christian era, used the
same example as the parable of the seed, but
also the need for water, warmth and care for
the word to achieve its purpose.
We listen to the Word of God, we open
the text and reflect upon it, we are so familiar
with what is written and read. A more
important step must be taken. The rain and
snow must penetrate the earth to provide the
necessary support for growth. The water
cannot just run off as often happens with the
sudden summer downpour.
A soft, penetrating shower offers the
condition necessary to accomplish its end. So
too, does reflection upon the word, weighing
and pondering its meaning for me today. May
my listening heart allow that growth to take place today.