Peace be with you.

As we have officially entered what is often called the ‘Long Season of Green.’ This title refers to the marking of liturgical time in our Lectionary Calendar of the Sundays after the Pentecost. The liturgical color is green, and we will mark these Sundays after the Pentecost until Advent (November 29, 2026). Hence, a long season of green.

This year our Lectionary follows the Gospel of Matthew. During the long season of green we will hear stories centered on the ministry of Jesus and the followers. One part of the ministry of Jesus is that of teaching in parables. One parable I think assists us as we move through this season.

In Matthew 13:1–16, we hear the familiar Parable of the Sower: where scattered seeds fall on different ground named as a path, rocky soil, thorns, and good soil, with only the last producing abundant fruit. Though widely told, the parable can still be puzzling, even with Jesus’ explanation later in the chapter.

What strikes me in this parable is that the Sower prepares no soil, he simply scatters seeds. It reminds me of wanting quick results, like tossing grass seed on the lawn and hoping it grows without much labor or toil.

Spiritually, this raises a question: if God is constantly sowing seeds, of love, hope, peace, justice; how well have I prepared my own “soil” to receive them? Some seeds take root; others fade quickly or are choked by distractions and struggles. Yet God never stops sowing.

So, I ask myself: What must I do to prepare my heart? What “weeds” (fear, anger, envy, worry) hinder growth? What paths need changing? And how can I better nurture the good already planted within me?

Peace.