Wednesday, July 24, 2018
16th Week in Ordinary Time
1st Reading: Ex 16:1-5, 9-15
Gospel: Matthew 13:1-9
Jesus said, “The sower went out to sow and, as he sowed, some seeds fell along the path and the birds came and ate them up. Other seeds fell on rocky ground where there was little soil, and the seeds sprouted quickly because the soil was not deep. But as soon the sun rose the plants were scorched and withered because they had no roots. Again other seeds fell among thistles; and the thistles grew and choked the plants. Still other seeds fell on good soil and produced a crop; some produced a hundredfold, others sixty and others thirty. If you have ears, then hear!”
D@iGITAL-EXPERIENCE
(Daily Gospel in the Assimilated Life Experience)
The parable of the sower attracted the attention of Jesus’ listeners who relied upon the soil for their livelihood. But he spoke to them using hidden language by way of a parable. It was only to the disciples that he fully explained its meaning. The footpath symbolizes the heart of those who hear God’s Word without understanding. Soon the devil will carry off any seed was sown in it (Matt. 13:18-19). The one who receives the Word on patches of rock hears the Word and welcomes it at once with joy.
“But when some trials or some persecutions come on account of the Word, he falls away at once” (Matthew 13:20-21).
Seeds falling on thorny ground represent God’s Word falling upon people whose hearts are choked by worries about riches. “The worries of this world and the lure of riches choke the Word and so he produces nothing” (Matthew 13: 22). But the one who receives the seed in rich soil is the man who hears the Word and understands it; “he is the one who yields a harvest and produces now a hundredfold, now sixty, now thirty” (Matthew 13: 23).
The rocks of hypocrisy make a person flee from persecutions so quickly because the depth of faith is not even up to the knee. Scriptures warn people of rocky hearts: “So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold – I am about to spit you out of my mouth.” (Rev. 3:15). Faith can move mountains?
Hearts likened to footpaths may just be victims of media, the irresponsibility of which renders people insensitive. The sensational presentation of crime, sex and violence makes hearts numb to the misfortunes of others. Media outfits are not only the sower of bad seeds but are also the destroyer of good grounds.
While none of us can claim that his heart is the rich soil, all of us can protect the Word by making it grow ahead and taller than the thorns of our worries and the lure of earthly riches. Priority is the word. “Seek first the kingdom of heaven and all the rest will fall in line”. – (Atty.) Rev. Fr. Dan Domingo P. delos Angeles, Jr., D.M.
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