god is like the rain
"A farmer went out sowing." —Matthew 13:4
It seems that God isn't very efficient. He sows manna and quail like "rain" (Ex 16:4; Ps 78:27). It lands everywhere, all over the camp, all over the desert ground, available to both the humble and those who grumble (Ex 16:13). He sows the Word like "the rain" (see Is 55:10-11). It lands everywhere, even on the footpath and the rocks and among thorns where it seemingly can't grow (Mt 13:4-7). The Lord even sends real rain to nourish the ground everywhere, on the land of the just and the unjust (Mt 5:45).
Praise God that He sends His Word everywhere — to the illiterate, marginalized, grumblers, criminals, sinners, to those who hate Him and those who hunger for His Word. "Learn a lesson from the way" God sows His Word and His grace (Mt 6:28). Have the attitude of God's agents, His rainclouds. They drop rain everywhere they are. Likewise, sow God's Word everywhere. Don't worry about wasting your effort, conserving your strength, or being efficient with your evangelization. Keep it simple. Think God's rain, think God's reign, and just get the Word out.
Prayer: Father, who am I to decide who is unable to receive Your Word and Your blessings? May I sow bountifully so You may reap bountifully (2 Cor 9:6).
Promise: "He commanded the skies above and the doors of heaven He opened; He rained manna upon them for food and gave them heavenly bread." —Ps 78:23-24
Praise: St. Sharbel was a Lebanese monk who lived for twenty-three years as a hermit. St. Sharbel, pray for peace in the Middle East.
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, January 18, 2013
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