As we continue our journey through Love Boldly, Jesus reminds us that a fruitful life begins with a prepared heart. In the Parable of the Sower, the seed remains the same, but the condition of the soil determines whether it takes root and bears fruit. The invitation is not simply to hear God’s Word, but to receive it in ways that shape our lives.

Rev. Mary Teague encouraged us to think about the “soil” of our own hearts. Distractions, worry, and shallow faith can keep God’s Word from growing, but intentional spiritual practices help us become good soil. Spending time in Scripture, praying with openness, and seeking to understand God’s voice are not tasks to complete. They are ways we deepen our relationship with Christ and prepare ourselves to love God and others more fully.

As a church family, we are called to love boldly through lives that are rooted in God’s grace. When we make space for God to work within us, our faith naturally bears fruit through compassion, generosity, service, and love. Preparing our hearts today allows God to grow something lasting for tomorrow.

Take Time to Reflect

• What distractions might be keeping God’s Word from taking deeper root in your life?
• What spiritual habit could help you become more attentive to God’s voice this week?
• How is God preparing you to bear fruit through love, service, and faith?

Matthew 13:1-9 NIV
The Parable of the Sower
13 That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake. 2 Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore. 3 Then he told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow his seed. 4 As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. 5 Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. 6 But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. 8 Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. 9 Whoever has ears, let them hear.”

Matthew 13:18-23 NIV
18 “Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: 19 When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path. 20 The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. 21 But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. 22 The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful. 23 But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.”

Jesus’ invitation is simple and powerful: “Come to me, all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” In this week’s message, Rev. Mary Teague reminded us that these words were first spoken to ordinary people living under heavy burdens, people weighed down by religious expectations, political oppression, and the struggles of daily life. Christ’s invitation was not reserved for the powerful or the successful. It was offered to everyone who longed for hope, healing, and peace.

Drawing on the familiar words engraved at the base of the Statue of Liberty, “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,” Mary reflected on how those words echo the heart of Jesus. Christ welcomes those the world often overlooks. Our worth is not found in our nationality, status, accomplishments, or failures. We are welcomed because we are God’s beloved children, created in God’s image and invited into a life of grace.

As followers of Jesus, we are called to extend that same welcome to others. The church becomes a place where burdens are shared, strangers become neighbors, and every person is invited to experience the love of Christ. Together, we continue learning to open our hearts, offer hospitality, and live as a community where all can find rest, belonging, and hope.

Take Time to Reflect

• Where have you experienced Christ’s invitation to find rest in the middle of life’s burdens?
• How can you help Saint Matthew become a place where others experience welcome, belonging, and hope?
• Who might God be calling you to notice, welcome, or encourage this week?