How many times? The parable of the sower is such a great example of Jesus' teaching. He takes a familiar medium and shares an important message. He talks about farming in a place where everyone would have been familiar with soil, seed, rocks, and sun. I have read and heard this story many, many times. So, how do we continue to have ears to hear? Is this a story that only has meaning for us the first time? Is it only about the one time casting of seed and then whatever happens, happens? I know a few farmers and not one of the them only plant one time. They all plant year after year. They do all they can to improve the yield, but they keep planting.

Maybe the new "ears" part of this passage is to remember that we continue to sow the seed. We do all we can between plantings to prepare the soil...and then we plant. Year after year. Time after time. Invitation after invitation. Prayer after prayer.