I’ve spent most of my adult life working in parish ministry, and boy-oh-boy have I seen things! From “Negative Nellies” and “Juridical Jims,” on one end of the spectrum, to “Generous Gerties” and “Prayerful Petes” on the other, each member of a parish community makes an impact, whether they realize it or not! Let me give a few examples:
To begin, I’ve seen groups of individuals who seem driven to find flaws in almost anything that is offered in their parish. In their collective opinion, offerings weren’t “holy” enough, or they were a waste of time, money, or whatever. One man, in particular, was often seen taking handouts for events that he had no intention of attending. Those same handouts would later surface at Parish Council meetings as exhibits of “misguided” programs and initiatives that he and his group wanted stopped. When he walked through the door, people instantly grew cautious and skittish, looking for ways to avoid contact.
On the other hand, I once knew a woman renowned for her radical generosity and excellence in hospitality, who offered delicious baked goods and happily served at almost every parish event. When she walked through the door, word spread, mouths watered, and people eagerly joined her in service.
Finally, there is the example of the wonderfully prayerful man who shared that he and his wife had a list of people whom they prayed for every night. When he let someone know their name was on that list (in his quiet and humble way), he provided comfort, assurance, and the knowledge that the person being prayed for was not alone in their struggles.
In today’s Gospel (Matthew 13:1–23), we hear Jesus’ parable of the sower and the seeds. In this story, Jesus shares examples of ground that isn’t receptive to growth and ground that is “rich soil” that “produced fruit.” He goes on to explain that some are like the hard and rocky ground because “they look but do not see and hear but do not listen or understand.” A true, receptive, and productive disciple, on the other hand, “is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold.” That rich soil is dependent upon the individual, for sure, but it makes sense that it is also dependent upon the atmosphere around it. Some deplete, while others build up.
Going back to the earlier examples, I have learned over the years that discipleship is done alongside others in community. It’s not just about ourselves and our own lives. Indeed, unless we take on the life of a hermit, we are all affected by or dependent on community in one way or another. The man who collected handouts and promoted judgment, causing others to avoid him, created an atmosphere that wasn’t life-giving at all. It didn’t encourage discipleship or growth in faith in anyone around him. On the other hand, the woman who generously served and modeled openness and hospitality to all she encountered drew others toward her and set an example of Jesus-like, self-giving discipleship. Further, the couple who prayed provided a testimony to the power of prayer and the value of the support of a faith community, encouraging others to do the same by following their example.
It is easy to see how people can help create a poor atmosphere for discipleship, practically chucking stones at those around them or sucking the life out of the soil, while others till and tend “rich soil” through their loving, open, and supportive discipleship. Their encouragement, welcome, patience, and presence can lead others to deeper discipleship and faith. Our Gospel calls us all to ask, “What can I do to help my parish grow in faith?”
