RUTTER — Bearing Fruit: a reflection on Matthew 13:1-23

When I was young, I sowed some seed

not sure what it would sprout.

Simply an urge born out of need

To let my dreams burst out.

The birds swooped in, ate all I’d tossed

left nothing I could glean.

No fruit to eat, my zest was lost

I turned to other means.

As time went by, I shrugged and thought

“I’ll try once more to sow

And so I threw some seed I bought

In hopes that roots would grow.

But little did I realize

Twas on the rocks I’d thrown

The sun came up in one big blaze

No fruits were left, just stone.

As life’s seasons kept on passing

And bit by bit I tried

To master what I was chasing

To wipe the tears I cried.

Yet again I took to sowing

Seeds that never could produce

For thorns aplenty had cropped up

and choked life-giving food.

In no short time it dawned on me

The errors of my way

Alone I have no power to seed

God’s voice must I obey.

Bowing to His great love I find

The fruit that gives me life

In His rich soil my roots do bind

He frees my heart from strife.

And so it is, oh Lord I pray

Give me the grace to plant

Your Word in all of those I meet

Abundant yields please grant. Amen

Mrs. Rutter is a member of Sacred Heart Parish in Columbia.