Sowing and New Beginnings

AM Psalm 38 • PM Psalm 119:25-48
Isa. 44:24-45:7 • Eph. 5:1-14 • Mark 4:1-20

Today’s reading from Mark is the familiar parable on reaping and sowing. Anytime I hear of sowing seed, I immediately think of new beginnings—a new year, new habits, and today, a new president. Jesus compares us to seed, telling us that in order to truly produce healthy “crop” we must be sown in good soil. He warns the crowd that seeds that are sown in shallow soil will be “scorched…withered because they have no root.” He even mentions that while some soil may appear healthy, we still must ensure that our roots are good and deep enough so as not to be damaged or taken up.

Although we are the seed in the parable, it seems as though we are simultaneously the farmer, choosing where to plant ourselves. Before anything can be reaped, we must plant ourselves on solid ground that nourishes and cares for us. We also have to be patient, for according to Jesus, we run the risk of being “ever seeing but never perceiving.” Following this progression, it is naturally assumed that we are responsible for our own growth, as we are the ones who chose our soil. However, semi-recent studies have shown evidence that plants communicate with each other through secretions as well as through other organisms (fungi, bacteria, etc.) in the soil. Although we may be lucky enough to choose our soil, we also help each other grow and cultivate our communities.

I hate to sound clichéd; however, as we enter a new year and a new political era, I encourage others to plant yourselves in good soil and to do what is in your power to cultivate others. I believe it is what we as a society need to reap a good harvest.

Interesting article on plant communication:
www.sciencemag.org/news/2019/01/once-considered-outlandish-idea-plants-help-their-relatives-taking-root

Written by Tel Johnson

Tel grew up attending St. Paul’s. She currently lives in Little Rock with her cat, Hershel, and works at Arkansas Children’s Hospital.