The chapter began with letting us know that Jesus is traveling around the area, teaching. His disciples were with him as well as a group of women who had been healed of diseases and possessions. For years I had read right over this, not noticing the fact that these women, obscure as they are, had actually helped to fund Jesus’ travels. These women had financial means and gave so that Jesus could continue his teaching travels.
The bulk of today’s reading is the familiar parable of the Sower and the seeds. Jesus worked with the ideas of hearing the word, listening to the word and putting the word into action. Ultimately, one wants to be the seed that is in the good soil...the one who heard the words of Jesus, retained them and persevered in living them.
Amazingly, those who hear and put in to practice the words of Jesus are those whom Jesus considers to be his true mother and brothers. When we translate that into our present day, our task is to hear the words of Jesus/listen to his teachings, remember them and put them into practice. It is a big task, but quite do-able with faith in Jesus.
May you be the light of Christ for those in your life, today.
