The Parish Magazine October 2025

4 The Parish Magazine —October 2025
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The Parish Magazine — October 2025 5
The vicar's letter
The French Horn,
Sonning. Quality.
A continuing commitment to
wonderful food and wine.
0118 969 2204
www.thefrenchhorn.co.uk
DEAR FRIENDS
I was fortunate to grow up in rural Somerset and have fond memories of playing
on a farm, owned by a friend’s parents. When I think back to what we got up
to it is probably a miracle that we came to no harm, but these were in the pre-
‘health and safety’ days. I make no pretence of any particular knowledge of
farming, other than enjoying ‘Clarkson’s Farm’, but I am aware of some of the
huge pressures that farmers labour under. It is right as we celebrate the Harvest
that we pay tribute to our farming communities, not just in our parish, but
across the land. In addition to their hard work, so many others are involved in
the complicated process of bringing food to our shops, and for that we are also
grateful.
FOOD BANK
Because of the abundance of produce, from all over the world, that we can find
at anytime through the year on supermarket shelves, the importance of Harvest
celebrations has perhaps diminished in recent times. One important theme
remains though, and that is to remember to be grateful for bountiful provision
in a world where so many are hungry, and to do something practical to help. In
our case at St Andrew’s this year we shall be collecting both cash and tinned
and dried produce for the Woodley Food Bank at our 5 October services. Cash is
particularly useful for them as they can then buy the food that they are short of.
This is just a small way in which our own Christian community can help those
who are struggling.
PARABLE
Jesus had a great deal to say about the harvest, and of course that time of year was
incredibly important in the rural communities of the Holy Land. One of my favourite
passages on this theme is the parable of the sower. In my years in the priesthood this
parable has almost come to life so many times as I have witnessed the seeds of faith
either flourish or wither in people’s faith journeys. Some seeds are sown on the path
and birds quickly eat them. Some are sown on rocky places with little soil, and the
plant quickly sprang up but then was scorched by the sun and died because of a lack
of roots. Other seeds fell among thorns, and they were quickly choked and denied
nourishment. Finally, some seed was planted in good ground and produced many
crops.
Jesus's interpretation of his parable is found in Matthew 13: 19-23. Verse 19: When
anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes
and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path.
Verse 20: The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at
once receives it with joy. Verse 21: But since they have no root, they last only a short time.
When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. Verse 22:
The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of
this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful. Verse 23: But
the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This
is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.
NO ACCIDENT
A real, living and well rooted faith in Christ doesn’t just happen by accident. The
seeds of faith are faithfully sowed by God’s church but so much in life can distract
and divert us from the true path. A Christian is called to give priority to God above
all of life’s distractions and to ensure our faith is well rooted and nourished by
worship, prayer and study of the scriptures. As any farmer or keen gardener will tell
you, there are no short cuts. It is a labour-intensive process but if we stick at it, the
harvest will be rich indeed.
Warm wishes.
Jamie