The thorny ground is easily overlooked in Jesus’ parable of the sower and the seed (Mark 4:3-20). We’re experts at identifying and avoiding hard-heartedness, and we long for flourishing hearts.
However, a disciple’s life is much pricklier than we care to admit. Parishioners struggle with “the worldly cares, the lure of riches, and the desire for other things come in and choke the word, and it bears no fruit.” September’s readings from Mark and James identify the causes and symptoms of this soil and uproot the worries and desire for wealth and success.