Prayer is Like Planting Seeds

For several weeks each year during Ordinary Time we hear parables of Jesus describing the Kingdom of Heaven. In many of the stories Jesus talks about the bringing of “new life” – through planting, selling off everything, or adding a small amount of yeast. All of these require an action to bring about new life.

The Farmers’ Work

Today when a farmer plants his crop, he hopes that his work will bring about a bounty from a small seed. Even with good weather, crop rotation, and weed control, the farmer hopes that he has done everything he can to ensure a “good harvest”. The farmer has faith that God will provide the necessary elements to help his plants to harvest. At harvest time the farmer reaps the immediate benefits of being able to provide for his family.

However, the farmer may not realize the full impact of his yield because he may not be aware of how others benefit from his crops as well. The farmers produce may be used to help Catholic Relief Services or a local food bank. His pay to migrant workers may help a family realize the “American dream”. His harvest also helps local wildlife be abundant and multiply. His fields might also inspire a musician to write a song about the beauty of his meadows. The farmer’s planting of seeds does more than just help his family.

How Prayer Life is like Farming

Sometimes our prayer life can feel like that of the farmer. We do not always see the full benefits of our prayers. We have faith, that with God’s help, our prayers will produce fruit but sometimes we are discouraged when we do not see immediate results. Or the fruits are different than we imagined.

As we join together at Mass, our prayers can become the seeds of change and bring “new life” to the kingdom here on earth. Although we may not see the full benefit of our prayers, like the farmer, our prayers can plant the seeds doing more than what we can see in our family. We trust that God will hear our prayers and with his guidance, the fruits of our labors will be realized. Even if we do not see immediate “results”, God will fertilize our seeds, and help them become fruitful.

We can start by sowing the seeds of prayer this week. Then the bounty of the harvest will be great indeed, as we bring the kingdom here on earth.

St. Isidore, patron saint of farmers, pray for us!

Prayer Reflection

Lord Jesus, You show us what life could be. Helps us to plant seeds of hope in places where life is tough, so that people can find your love and your way. We offer this small prayer, like a mustard seed, for your Kingdom to come among us. Amen.