Rev. Moon’s Message for July 16, 2023

The Sower” (ca. 17–28 June 1888) by Vincent van Gogh (1853–1890); from the collection of the Kröller-Müller Museum, Otterlo, Netherlands; taken from the Wikimedia Commons.

Dear friends,

This coming Sunday, we are meditating on the parable of the sowers found in the gospel of Matthew.

13 That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the sea. 2 Such great crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat there, while the whole crowd stood on the beach. 3 And he told them many things in parables, saying: “Listen! A sower went out to sow. 4 And as he sowed, some seeds fell on a path, and the birds came and ate them up. 5 Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and they sprang up quickly since they had no depth of soil. 6 But when the sun rose, they were scorched, and since they had no root, they withered away. 7 Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. 8 Other seeds fell on good soil and brought forth grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. 9 If you have ears, hear!”

Matthew 13: 1–9

Jesus recognized the divine hand of God at work in the labor of farmers, the growth of seeds, and the fertility of the soil. Using this parable, Jesus encourages us to reflect on our faith and our personal journeys. He asks faith questions such as “Where do you witness the grace of God in your life today?”, and “Where do you witness God’s presence in your surroundings?”

I look forward to our gathering this Sunday. May the Holy Spirit deepen our faith conversation!

—Rev. Chuck Moon

A version of this message appeared in the Friday, July 14, 2023 edition of Tidbits.