Seed is sown. Will it bear fruit? - 15th Sunday of the Year, Year A

Seed is sown. Will it bear fruit?: Jesus begins to tell a series of parables that will be received by some and rejected by others. The leaders of Israel remain "outside" the Kingdom because their hearts are hardened and yet, the seed is sown, and whatever its reception, an abundant harvest will follow. The growth and spread of the Kingdom cannot be stopped. Turning to his disciples, he explains…