Farmers know very clearly that the soil preparation is most important if a good crop is to come. The soil is the key and so in the spiritual life the soul’s attitude is the indicator of spiritual fertility. Our Lord uses the parable of the four soil types to help us penetrate what is going on today in the Church and the world as a whole. Consider the four types: wayside, rocky, thorns and good soil. We would be amiss if we thought of these types as different expressions of dirt. So let’s go a little deeper with the times we live in.
Wayside souls have been hardened by attachment to the capital sins and through that attachment the devils (birds of the air) have entered their very persons and they foster in the world evil. They are evil because they seek to cast other souls into hell. They are living demons and are separated from God in the darkness of sin’s grip. Where do we find these forlorn souls: 1) in politics, 2) in finance, 3) in power positions (e.g. bishops, popes, etc.) and 4) in sensual occupations. There is a world-wide web of demonic proportions trafficking stolen children; planned parenthood coordinates a massive operation of aborting God’s little ones. We cannot even grasp the darkness of these hardened souls. At present they are bound for hell unless someone prays and sacrifices to
save their souls. These travel on the highways of social life.
Turn now to the souls with a little soil covering the rock beneath. Our Lord says that they hear the word with joy and think that they are headed to heaven. Unfortunately, they do not remove the rock in their souls and attach themselves to fantasy island. When some persecution comes their way they fold like a napkin; they are the souls who attend a mass now and then and think they are doing God a great favor. They lack any depth which could come to them if they developed a devotion to our Lady or one of the saints. Instead, they remain in the shallows of existence and never discover the life-giving aspect of the word of God.
Consider the emergence of the souls who have the pleasure principle wired into their day to day life. These souls have heard the word of God and as a seed it began to take root then the cares and concerns of their existence dominate and the Word of God is left behind while the riches and toys of the world become their idols. They worship themselves and care not for the poor, the forgotten, the lonely, etc. No, everything revolves around their pleasure. You can find these souls every Sunday going to the movies; or headed to the next football game; or finding an expensive restaurant to enjoy. They live the good life and think that God is pleased because they are happy. God pursues them but He is hidden because their spiritual eyes have been blinded by Silver and Gold.
Finally, we arrive at the good soil found in a holy soul. This soul has recognized that the Eternal Seed of God’s love has penetrated this world. This soul glories in the presence of God and knows that every word from God is meant to purify and prepare the soul for a special union. This person takes responsibility for his development in the eternal life. As Lent approaches this soul will plan to offer God just a little more for those forty days of grace. This soul does not fear suffering or difficulties but sees in them the benevolent hand of His Father touching the soul and perfecting it. These souls carry many souls in their hearts seeking to bring them to the love affair which exceeds all their desires. They know that God can change any heart if there is someone willing to pay the price for the lost soul. They bear fruit a hundred-fold, sixty-fold or thirty-fold.
Imagine a heaven in which saints converted sinners and together they walk into the presence of the living God. They will have conquered the fear tactics of the hard hearted. They will need no masks because their faces will illuminate a divine glow; they will erase the six foot social distance by an eternal hug of love; they will not trace their neighbor as a poison but they will see in their neighbor the perfection of the divine life.
It comes down to this: do you seek God or do you seek self? Mary, the Help of Christians, urges us to choose to seek God and His kingdom and everything else will be given to you. Pray the rosary more and more; visit the Blessed Sacrament or daily practice the spiritual communion. Do not get absorbed in the world but open your heart to the needs of your neighbor. These soils are all around us so pray that the Lord will help you discern the Truth and grasp it.
In the hearts of Jesus, Mary and Joseph,
Fr. Voigt
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