Gospel Reading: Mt 13:18-23
Jesus said to his disciples: “Hear then the parable of the sower. 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 in his heart. The seed sown on rocky ground is the one who hears the word and receives it at once with joy. But he has no root and lasts only for a time. When some tribulation or persecution comes because the word, he immediately falls away. The seed sown among thorns is the one who hears the word, but then wordly anxiety and the lure of riches choke the word and it bears no fruit. But the seed sown on rich soil is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold.”
REFLECTION
One who hears the word and understands it. For Jesus, a true disciple is one who hears his word and understands it.
This kind of follower is certainly productive. We get this idea in this passage where Jesus explains the meaning of the parable in Mt 13:1-9.
Jesus teaches us the importance of hearing and understanding the word. This does not come automatically by just desiring, striving, and praying for it. Hidden behind the story is the idea of preparation.
We must prepare ourselves to become a rich soil. In nature there is fertile soil. Since we are human beings with all our faults, under formation, and on the road to perfection, we cannot consider ourselves yet as rich soil. We need conversion. To become his desired followers, we must remove the stones, the gravel, the thorns, and thistles that are in our hearts. Sin, wickedness, and evil prevent us from totally listening to God. They distract us from having full communion with God. We can never understand what the Kingdom of God is all about when we are swallowed by the values of the world manifested in superficial relationships and toxic lifestyle. Sin has to be exercised from our souls.
Are you productive in the eyes of God? Prepare.
Learn to listen and understand.
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SOURCE: “365 Days with the Lord,” ST PAULS, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 895-9701; Fax 895-7328; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.
