Matthew, Mark and Luke all have the Parable of the Sower as the first parable Jesus told. The message seems clear, we are to spread the Word of God as the sower spreads the seed.
It is interesting to think of the Sower and how he goes about his work. The seed is spread on a footpath, on rocky ground, among thorns, and finally on good ground. It does not seem top be a very good use of the seed.
I wonder if we are like the Sower when we talk to people about the Gospel or are we "efficient" in our use of the seed? Do we speak out our faith in the places where we think it is likely to be well received -the good soil - or do we spread it even in those places where we think it is unlikely to grow - among the thorns, on the rocky places and the footpaths?
When I was in Scouting I often sold apples on Apple Day. I was always suprised that people I thought would buy an apple often walked past me without so much as saying "No" while those I thought least likely to buy an apple often bought several and gave generously. I was a poor judge of "good soil."
As Back to Church Sunday approaches, allow God to guide you as to you will ask. The seed may grow in the most unlikely places.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
The Doors are Open
Sunday September 25 is Back to Church Sunday in the Diocese of Huron.
When was the last time you invited someone to come to church with you?
Perhaps there is somebody that has asked about church. Why do you go to church/ What do you do at church? What do you find meaningful about church?
Perhaps there is someone who has asked you about God.
Now is the time to invite that person to come to church with you.
There are many reasons why people give for not attending church.
Back to Church Sunday is not about those reasons. It is not about trying to convince people that they should come to church and it is not about responding to their reasons for not coming to church.
It is about extending an invitation and allowing God to work in the life of that person to overcome their fears and objections.
As Paul wrote to the church at Corinth, " I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow." (1 Corinthians 3:6)
Consider planting some seeds on September 25.
When was the last time you invited someone to come to church with you?
Perhaps there is somebody that has asked about church. Why do you go to church/ What do you do at church? What do you find meaningful about church?
Perhaps there is someone who has asked you about God.
Now is the time to invite that person to come to church with you.
There are many reasons why people give for not attending church.
Back to Church Sunday is not about those reasons. It is not about trying to convince people that they should come to church and it is not about responding to their reasons for not coming to church.
It is about extending an invitation and allowing God to work in the life of that person to overcome their fears and objections.
As Paul wrote to the church at Corinth, " I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow." (1 Corinthians 3:6)
Consider planting some seeds on September 25.
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