“Some [seed] fell on rocky ground, where it had little soil. It sprang up at once because the soil was not deep, and when the sun rose it was scorched, and it withered for lack of roots” (Matthew 13:5-6).

It is hot outside. It is summer in Texas, after all, and Texas in July means extreme heat, but this a new level of unbearable. We are in the middle of a heat wave with temperatures consistently hitting triple digits daily (I’m talking 104, 110 here). We are in need of a good drench.

Recently, the parable of the sower (Matthew 13:1-23) has popped up in different places: the Hallow app, Mass, a daily devotional. Sitting with this Gospel reading, I cannot help but think that our spiritual life can be like this extreme heat wave in need of a good rainstorm.

The Scorched Seeds

The sower goes out into the field to plant seeds, with some following on the path, on the rocky ground, among the thorns, and in the rich soil. In our spiritual life, we can be like the seeds that fell on the rocky ground, springing up quickly and boldly and joyfully saying “yes” to the Lord. We are on such a “Jesus high”—and then we crash, bewildered at our own withering heart.

Perhaps we were not intentional in developing the habit of prayer to deepen our relationship with the Lord. Maybe we thought this feeling would outlast the day-to-day struggles. Or, maybe life has been like this heat wave—extreme and unbearable, scorching us as the pressures of daily life rise and we are withered down.

How do we become the seeds in the rich soil, bearing fruit? We need a holy drench.

The Rich Soil

What is rich soil, anyway? Rich soil includes minerals, air, organic matter, and a good pH balance. Gardeners look at the soil’s structure, texture, chemistry, and biology as well as its organic matter context and water infiltration, retention, and movement to determine if the soil is healthy or unhealthy. If soil is missing one of these components, then it is not healthy. Healthy soil also needs a gardener who knows how to tend to it so that it can do what is created to do: produce life.

Our heart and soul are like soil; they need tending to for the seeds of truth and goodness to flourish. We need a good combination of prayer, the Sacraments, and God’s grace to have rich soil where God’s truth can grow and deepen. When we are missing one of these things, we are no longer in rich soil, and we can easily be scorched.

God is the gardener of our heart and soul; he knows what we need to remain spiritually healthy and close to him. God is the master gardener of our lives; he created us right here and right now. He does not want us to be scorched and withered away; he wants us to grow and thrive with him at our center. He wants us in the rich soil, deepening our roots in him.

Sometimes, we need a good drench to be in rich soil again. We need God’s grace to tend to our heart and soul. Here are a few ways to bring on the rain:

• Prayer: Find time to pray, even a simple “Come, Holy Spirit” or “Jesus, I trust in you.” Open your heart to the Father. 

• Reconciliation: This sacrament is the hardest but best and most beautiful way to start anew. God absolves us from our sins and welcomes us back into his arms. We are no longer withering but are back in rich soil.

• Mass: Receiving the Body and Blood of Christ is spiritual nourishment for our heart and soul.

• Adoration: The next best thing to receiving Christ is spending time with him, even if it is just for a few minutes.

This summer heat is unbearable, but our Father gives us holy drenches when we feel that we are scorched and withering. Let us experience a holy drench and bear good fruit.

Alexandra (Alex) Harrel resides in Irving, Texas. She is a new student affairs professional within the world of higher education. In her spare time, she loves reading, listening to podcasts, and spending time outdoors. Her favorite prayer is Hail, Holy Queen. You can follow her on Instagram at @2012alexandra.