July 27, 2018

Gospel: Mt 13:18-23
Now listen to the parable of the sower. When a person hears the message of the kingdom, but does not take it seriously, the devil comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is the seed that fell along the footpath. The seed that fell on rocky ground stands for the one who hears the word and accepts it at once with joy. But such a person has no roots, and endures only for a while. No sooner is he harassed or persecuted because of the word than he gives up. The seed that fell among the thistles is the one who hears the word; but then, the worries of this life and the love of money choke the word; and it does not bear fruit. As for the seed that fell on good soil, it is the one who hears the word and understands it; this seed bears fruit and produces a hundred, or sixty, or thirty times more.

Reflections
As for the seed that fell on good soil, it is the one who hears the word and understands it The Lord promises, “I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and prudence.” We thank the Lord for the inspiring shepherds of the Church — Pope Francis, Cardinal Tagle, Archbishop Villegas and so many others. To shepherd is to care for and govern a community, a role not restricted to the ordained ministers. Many of us — parents and educators, civic leaders and parish pastoral workers, youth leaders and elder siblings — share in the ministry of shepherding others. We pray, therefore, that we too might be blessed with God’s heart of mercy and compassion.

© Copyright Bible Diary 2018