RBWords

    Jesus' parable of the sower and the seed addresses the concern of the early Christian preachers about the effectiveness of their preaching!  Some people are accepting the word and others aren't!  Is success to be measured in numbers?  Is the preacher to blame if the hearers fail to hear and bear fruit? (Now that question could take up a page or two!)  Does ultimate success depend on the preacher's efforts, the hearer's openness, or on God's power?  Clearly the power of God will ultimately be the vital element.  Luke is urging the preachers not to become discouraged.  I have highlighted one line from the parable that describes a common situation in our own time, and gives me some reason for sadness.

     I am now baptizing the children of parents who were once student parishioners of mine in campus ministry.  The very fact of the baptism represents a concern that I hear from grandparents!  This concern is about their children who no longer go to church or "practice" their faith.  This occurs even in Catholic families where the faith was consistently and joyfully a part of family life.  I could always tell when a student came from a family like that.  But even these students could be "choked by the anxieties and riches and pleasures of life..." and "drift away" from a situation where faith was a way of interpreting life to a situation where faith is one of many "options" that might come up on a weekend!  The result is that some grandparents take it on themselves to privately baptize their grandchildren!!!!  No one is really helped by that action, but it demonstrates the depth of concern.  Why, after so many years of trying to inculcate a precious faith with considerable effort, are my children not practicing their faith or having my grandchildren baptized?

     The best comfort that I can offer is the one I offer myself.  I do the best I can to preach the word and I leave the rest to God.  Ultimate success will depend on God's grace.  I hope with the help of that grace that I can be a good opportunity for the word to be heard.  I think parents and grandparents can find consolation in that as well.  Be consistent, loving and supportive.  Leave the rest to God!    AMEN