The commitment of a Christian. In what and how?

We have different natures, figures, and approaches to values, including keeping God’s word. What is essential in listening to God’s word? The Lord Jesus talks about this topic in the parable of the sower, how he sowed seeds that yielded different crops. He ended the legend with the words: “He who has ears, let him listen” (Mt 13:9).

What did Lord Jesus mean by that? Words have a deep meaning. The audience hears the words and understands them, but they lack a kind of “inner ear.” A parable without inner listening tells them nothing. The Lord Jesus quotes the prophet Isaiah: “You will hear and not understand, you will look and not see. Because the heart of this people has become numb” (Isaiah 6:9-10). With the parable of the “sower,” Jesus points out the need for a Christian’s commitment to obtaining heaven’s kingdom. And therefore, at their request, he gives the apostles an interpretation of the parable.

Theologians believe that Jesus was thinking of himself under the sower. Indeed, Jesus knew that many would not accept his word – teaching. A wealthy bachelor left him. The Pharisees and scribes resented his education. We can believe that under the sower, Jesus probably meant the disciples, twelve, and everyone who followed the Lord. Lord Jesus wants to point out that the sower cannot be influenced, embittered, and intimidated by any failure. He doesn’t have to think about a lot of obstacles and adversities. The sower is supposed to be a realist. Success will not lead him to pride and promotion. Failure does not diminish his courage, perseverance, loyalty, diligence, and seriousness. It cannot be deterred. The believer should not only be a sower but also a seed. Who would not wish that the words of a bountiful harvest did not apply to him? If we want to achieve this, we must fulfill the prerequisites. Know how to listen correctly, listen carefully, and obey. To be shaped by God’s word every day. And also to become God’s word itself.

In the book “Our Father” Albíno Luciani places an image in the depths of our hearts. Whoever accepts it will learn a lot. Some people have made their lives a waiting room. Trains come and go, and they say to themselves: “Not this one yet; I’ll board the next one.” That means: “Then I’ll confess at the end of my life.” However, such an attitude is risky because this is not a form of touristic travel but a path to eternal salvation. We have and must be involved in our own lives. But it is correct when we know how to put our hands to work in the parish or the family. Let us not look at the heat of the day, at what we have already done, but at the reward that awaits us from Jesus, the author of the parable of the sower and the field, at the end of life.

May it be the wish of each of us for himself and for all that Jesus says to his faithful: “Enter into the joy of your master