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Sermon Speech by Our Vicar, Rev. Fr. Anish Mathew
The passage we read today is from St. Mark 4:1–20. These verses are very familiar to all of us. What was the reading about? It was the story of the man who went out to sow seeds, wasn't it? It is a parable—what we call the Parable of the Sower.
Who is the one sowing the seed?
We can say that it is God, our Lord Jesus Christ.
Then, what is the seed?
The seed is the Word of God. When we speak about the seed, we are referring to the Word of God.
Now, what does the soil represent?
The soil represents our hearts. The heart is the place where the Word of God falls and is meant to take root and grow.
In this parable, what is our Lord trying to teach us?
He is teaching us about four different kinds of soil, or four different conditions of the human heart.
1. The Seed that Fell by the WaysideThe first place where the seed fell was by the roadside—along the path where people travel.
What happened there?
Normally, we know what happens if something falls on the road. If it falls on a motorway, vehicles will simply run over it. Or, if there are birds nearby, they will quickly peck at it and eat it. The seed is immediately destroyed.
The Lord says that the Word of God can sometimes be like that. Before the Word even enters a person's heart, if there are already sinful or evil thoughts filling the mind, they do not even allow the Word to enter. Before it can take root, it is completely destroyed.
2. The Seed that Fell on Rocky GroundThe second type of soil is rocky ground.
What happens there?
The seed does sprout, but because the soil is shallow and not fertile or strong enough, as soon as the hot sun comes out, the plant withers away.
This is like certain people who hear the Word of God.
The problem is not that they do not hear it—they do.
But when difficulties, trials, or hardships come, because their faith is not firmly rooted, doubts begin to arise.
They start asking themselves:
"Is this really true?"
"Is this the right path?"
"Should I remain here, or should I go somewhere else?"
Many such doubts arise.
One of the biggest reasons for this confusion today is what we see on WhatsApp and social media. Many different people speak about the same subject in different ways, making it difficult at times to distinguish truth from falsehood.
3. The Seed that Fell Among ThornsThe third place where the seed fell was among the thorns.
When seed falls among thick, crowded thorn bushes, what happens?
As the thorns grow, they choke the seed. Instead of the seed growing properly, it gets buried beneath the surrounding plants and eventually dies.
There are people like this as well.
They hear the Word of God, but they have other interests that become more important than God's Word.
Rather than spending time reflecting on the Scriptures, understanding them, and living according to them, they pursue things that seem easier or more attractive.
Some become entirely focused on wealth.
Others devote themselves to personal interests and worldly pursuits.
Gradually, the Word that had entered their hearts is choked and lost.
4. The Seed that Fell on Good SoilFinally, the Lord speaks about good soil.
It is the seed that falls on good soil that grows and bears fruit.
These are the people who faithfully live in the Church, serve the Church, obey God's Word, and faithfully offer their tithes.
They have heard the Word of God, allowed it to grow within them, and shaped their lives according to it.
This applies not only to church life but also to family life.
For example, the relationship between a husband and wife becomes healthy, orderly, and beautiful when they live according to God's Word.
Even during the marriage ceremony, we are reminded of Christ's teaching:
"What God has joined together, let no one separate." (Mark 10:9)
No weakness, personal failing, or sinful nature should separate what God has united.
Living according to God's Word touches every area of our lives—our family life, our service in the Church, the responsibilities entrusted to us, and even the work we do in our workplaces.
Everything we do should be guided by the Word of God.
May God grant us the grace to hear His Word, receive it into good soil, and bear fruit in our lives.
With that prayer, I conclude.
May God bless you all.