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Daily Scripture Passage: Mark 4:1-20

And other (seeds) are those sown among the thorns: these are the ones who hear the word, but the cares of the world and the lure of wealth and the desire for other things come in and choke the word, and it yields nothing. — Mark 4:18-19

The cares of this world are many, and more every day. A dream of justice, mercy, and kindness struggles to break in. There is fear and cruelty; there is scarcity and selfishness, often right in our own communities.

What happens to the Word of God in this brokenness? How can it thrive among these thorns?

But suppose we choose to challenge the parable that insists nothing can grow in this environment? Instead of resigning ourselves to helplessness in the face of the cares of the world, what if we listen more deeply to the Word of God and seek enough space in our hearts, and energy in our minds and bodies, to push back against the things that overwhelm us. Suppose we plant ourselves as living witnesses to kindness and justice and not let cruelty and selfishness—those choking thorns—go unchallenged.

I think that even one persistent seed could make enough space for another, and then another. I wonder where, in the midst of so many stresses and worldly distractions I might find enough of the light and love of God to give me nourishment and help me thrive—even among the thorns.