Jesus was fond of using parables with agricultural imagery.  The sowing of seed on various types of land is one of his favorites.  It is the only one that he actually explains.  The seed is the “word of the kingdom” and the soil is likened to those who hear the word.  Sometimes the word takes root in our lives and sometimes it doesn’t.  Sometimes it lasts for only a short while and sometimes it flourishes and produces a harvest of good works.  The latter reality is always our task; the word of God shapes our discipleship and brings life to the world.