Ordinary Time 21: The Sower and the Seed

Tim talked about the incredible defense mechanisms that we have - individually and societally - against change. “Change” as he said, “is painful, costly, and unsettling.”

What comes up for you when you think about potential change? How would you describe your general orientation toward change?

When you think about Tim’s statement that change is painful, costly, and unsettling? What comes to mind? How do you respond to that statement?

What types of changes do you resist the most? What defense mechanisms can you identify, either in yourself or in our society, against change?

What things have broken through your natural resistance to change? Which catalysts have driven you to the most significant changes? Do you see any patterns as you consider change in your own life so far?

Tim also said that “faith without depth cannot be sustained.” What is “Faith without depth?” What does it look like? What are its unique characteristics?

What about faith with depth? What does that look like? What characterizes it?

What has brought depth to your faith? What has gotten in the way of its depth?

As he approached the end of his sermon, Tim, summarizing key parts of the parable, said that a foundational requirement for the Kingdom of God is a desire to change. He also said that “to be a Christian is to constantly be making up your mind about whether or not to keep being a Christian.”

What do you think about these two statements? Which draws your attention more? Why?

What in your own experience speaks to these two ideas? In what was have you seen a willingness or desire to change pace the way for God’s Kingdom?

Do you feel like you are constantly making up your mind about whether or not to be a Christian? Share about your own experience in whatever ways it does or does not resonate with that idea.