Friday, July 26, 2024
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Memorial of Saints Joachim and Anne, Parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary |
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Matthew 13:18–23
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Friends, in today’s Gospel, Jesus explains the parable of the sower. Let’s study each part of his explanation. The seed sown on the path is “the one who hears the word of the Kingdom without understanding it, and the Evil One comes and steals away what was sown.” This means we might end up blocked from God because we lack education in the ways of the Spirit. The seed sown on rocky ground is “the one who hears the word andreceives it at once with joy. But he has no root and lasts only for a time.” When difficulties and persecutions arrive, he loses confidence. “The seed sown among thorns is the one who hears the word, but then worldly anxiety and the lure of riches choke the word and it bears no fruit.” Some people hear the word, but then they are unable to maintain their focus and sense of prioritization. So from these sad cases we can construe the nature of good soil. When we understand the faith, when we take the time to read theology, to study the Scriptures; when we persevere, discipline ourselves, and practice the faith; when we have our priorities straight; then the seed will take root in us. And it will bear fruit thirty, sixty, or a hundredfold. |