A parable of hope-- and how our society-- our world -- needs hope.

The parable of Jesus which we refer to as "The Sower" recorded in Matthew 13 is a parable about growth. Growth starts when the seed is planted. This parable talks about sowing the seed-- it also talks about a harvest. It is a parable of hope and of promise. Not all the seed that is sown will bring forth a bountiful harvest-- but some of it will. Some of it will be watered and nourished-- and it will grow and multiply. Others of it will be snatched away, some scorched by the sun, other of it choked out by the weeds. But some of it will bring forth fruit. A parable of hope-- and how our society-- our world -- needs hope.

It is not hard to lose hope in a world like this. We read the headlines of our daily paper, which remind us that violence and vengeance are rampant. More crime is fought with more prisons -- one in 47 of our citizens is either in prison or on probation. Wars and refugees, hunger and homelessness, dishonesty and greed, racism and bigotry-- all these forces join together to suggest that all the "seed" of love, justice, humility before God-- all the preaching and teaching of the church over the ages --has brought forth only a meager harvest of righteousness. But, let US not lose hope.

That parable of Jesus was-- and still is-- realistic. Not all seed falls on good ground. The seed that falls on the receptive spirit is indeed that which will bear fruit. "The receptive spirit"-- what is it? This question brings me back to the subject with which I began, --growth. Not only does the season of Pentecost encourage growth in numbers within the church, it challenges the individual Christian to grow-- to mature-- to move forward in faith that makes a difference-- to you and me-- and to the world about us.

This sermon and its title "Life in the Spirit" is based upon the portion of Paul's letter to Rome which I read this morning. In Romans 8:11, Paul reminds us: "And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead ill also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you. "

This passage is also about growth-- growth in our understanding of the difference God can make in our lives. And He makes that difference through the presence of His Spirit. This passage, too, can help keep hope alive in us. But how do we live life in the Spirit? Join us for worship and Holy Communion on Sunday morning as we reflect together on this vital question. Everyone is welcome! E-mails are welcome: riggsaw@earthlink.net