Matthew 13
We live in an age that cannot stand any kind of inequality and inequity. We strive for the equal starting line for everyone, at least concerning social and economic competitions. But we know there has never been such a society or era in human history, which achieved perfect equality and equity. But parents of more than one child know every child is different – not only their temperaments but also their talents and intelligence. Is it because of different combinations of genes? Then, will we be happy if we create a new race of human clones sharing exactly the same combination of genes? I don’t have an answer.
Now, what about the equality of spiritual dispositions? The parable of the sower shows different spiritual dispositions – the path, the rocky ground, the thorn bush, and the good soil. People say they can see some kids are saint material. And some kids are always full of troubles. Does God create saints? But does he also create the damned? Why doesn’t God create spiritual clones of the saints? Why doesn’t God give us all equally a heart of good soil?
Some say certain professions should have an advantage in the spiritual life – religious monks and nuns, ordained ministers, workers of non-profit charitable organizations, etc. Perhaps they are right. But somehow the rate of deviated behaviours such as pedophilia or homosexuality in these groups of professions is about the same in other groups if not higher. Reading the Bible and preaching it as a part of their professions don’t seem to give them an express ticket to heaven.
Does any particular age, sex, race, social status, family background, intelligence, temperament, profession, or health condition give a head start or a handicap? I have been a priest for some time. But I don’t see any advantage or disadvantage in spiritual life or in bearing the fruit of the Gospel because I’m a priest.
The Lord is fair in a different sense. All creations are different. There is nothing or no one the same. And he allows everything and everybody to be different. But everyone faces spiritual struggles. It doesn’t matter who you are and where you are. It doesn’t matter whether you’re baptized or not. It doesn't matter if you’re married or not. It doesn’t matter if you’re heterosexual or homosexual. It doesn’t matter if you have a Ph.D. or a high school diploma. It doesn’t matter if you’re bishop or salesperson.
If I have a heart of rocky ground, I need to cultivate it. If I have a heart of good soil, I still have to keep it fertile with manure. Our spiritual work or struggle never stops until the moment of death. No one can follow Jesus without his cross. But remember what St Paul advises: God does not let us be tempted beyond our strength. And let us remind ourselves of what Jesus encourages us: his yoke is easy and his burden is light.
