This is one of the few parables to which Jesus gives an explanation. The basic message is that the fruitfulness of God’s word depends on the kind of hearts or “soil” that receives it. If it lands on a footpath, or on a rocky ground, or on bushes or thorns, we cannot expect to reap a rich harvest.

Only when it lands on the fertile soil of a generous, open, and willing heart can it bear much fruit. We know this in everyday life. If we do not listen attentively to God’s word at Mass, for example, we cannot expect to be nourished by it in the way it should. But if we listen attentively and openly, then we come out of the celebration feeling consoled, strengthened, and encouraged to live out God’s invitation.

In short, cultivating our spiritual life so that it can become fruitful does not just happen by chance. We need to prepare the ground of our hearts: remove weeds of selfishness, throw away stones of unbelief, uproot thorns of jealousy and envy, and “fertilize” it with generosity and commitment. While the ultimate outcome depends on God alone, we are also certain that God takes into account our contribution in the process of cultivating his word, so we are sure our efforts will be rewarded: perhaps thirty, or sixty, or a hundredfold.

Jesus said to his disciples: “Hear the Parable of the Sower. The seed sown on the path is the one who hears the word of the Kingdom without understanding it, and the Evil One comes and steals away what was sown in his heart. The seed sown on rocky ground is the one who hears the word and receives it at once with joy. But he has no root and lasts only for a time. When some tribulation or persecution comes because of the word, he immediately falls away. The seed sown among thorns is the one who hears the word, but then worldly anxiety and the lure of riches choke the word and it bears no fruit. But the seed sown on rich soil is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold.”