Breaking Open the Word
July 12 - 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Introduction
This week we are called to assess our relationship with God in terms of the will He has for us, the gifts we have received, and our longing to fulfill His desire for us to be happy by pursuing His will regardless of the challenges of our lives.
Isaiah 55:10-11
Psalm 65
Roman 8:18-23
Matthew 13:1-23
Gospel Explained
Chapter 13 of Matthew’s gospel is filled with parables – this week we explore the parable of the sower and the seeds, and where those seeds land. These parables helped the less learned to whom Jesus was preaching, to better understand those teachings. In the gospel, Jesus is again teaching outside – likely because of the number listening but also, it helps facilitate the use of the parables and this one in particular.
This well known parable of the sower and the seeds is rather unique in its presentation in our gospel as it includes a warning in the gospel, but then Jesus goes on to actually explain the parable. Many times, the teachings of Jesus will provide instruction but we are then left to ponder what the teaching really means. In this case, He does explain it.
Jesus is teaching in Palestine, in an area inhabited by farmers, people who could align themselves with the sower. Farmers spread their seed across the fields – the fields in Palestine are rocky and yet have thin layers of dirt in which plants may grow. The land was difficult to plow, and when it could be plowed, the weeds that were present, mainly wild thorns, would just be plowed under rather than pulled. In doing so, the weeds remained among the seed and could choke off the seedlings – the sower sows anyway. The more seed that was planted, regardless where it fell, still contained the potential for crops.
In this parable, Jesus is both the sower and the land – all things are from Him and grow because of Him. The disciples ask Jesus why He uses parables so often. His answer is the knowledge of the mysteries of the Kingdom had been granted to them, but not to all. The Greek word in the text is “mysterion”, which in Latin is “sacramentum”, meaning covenant. There are those outside the covenant who did not as yet understand their need to participate in the covenant – these are the people to whom Jesus gives the warning to listen.
Jesus explains and differentiates the various places where the seed is spread and the effect of spreading the seed in different areas – the seed is sown anyway. The final category reflects those who hear, understand and live the teachings of Christ. These will be the souls who greatly flourish.
Today's Theme
Today’s Theme: Hear, Understand and Do!
Verse 18 of today’s gospel: “Hear then the parable of the sower…” That one single verse is central to our relationship with Jesus, it designates a general acceptance of the gospel without fully understanding it. In the verses that follow, there is a growing understanding of the parable from merely hearing it to understanding and living it. The seed sown on the path is the seed most easily stolen away from God’s will by evil means. Sadly, there is no desire to have a relationship with Christ for those souls.
As Jesus moves through the parable, He speaks of the people who want to not just hear His words but understand and live them. Our faith is nurtured by developing an increased knowledge of the teachings of God in the Bible. Living out that faith is made possible by participation in the Sacraments, especially the Eucharist, developing knowledge of the Catechism, and grabbing hold of the Saints who lived it in a more perfect way.
When we study scripture, engage ourselves in the Sacraments, accept the teachings of the Church on faith and morals as exactly what they are – the teachings of Christ, and open ourselves to wanting good things for others, we will experience a spiritual bounty that is unbelievably beautiful. It is exactly that joy that God wants for us!
Theme in our Life Today
Hear, Understand and Do in Our Life Today
In our first reading from Isaiah we are reminded that all things have a purpose. In particular, there is a reference to Jesus as Jesus comes to fulfill the will of the Father. We too are called to do the will of the Father as St. Paul notes in our second reading, even in times of struggle and suffering.
It is exactly in the moments of suffering that we can, when we wish to do so, see the hand of God working in our lives. St. Thomas More noted: “Nothing can happen to me that God doesn’t want. And all that He wants, no matter how bad it may appear to us, is really for the best.” And a thought from St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta: “Pain and suffering have come into your life, but remember pain, sorrow, suffering are but the kiss of Jesus - a sign that you have come so close to Him that He can kiss you.”
The reflections of these incredible saints had come after each of them had lived great suffering and was surrounded by others in great need. They possessed the ability to have such insights because of the way they tied themselves to the teachings of Christ, a definitive and clear belief in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, frequent Confession, and study of the great works of the Saints.
Hear His words, study and understand how those teachings are applicable in our lives, and then go live it! There is someone out there in desperate need of your help!! God has given each of us a talent that He wants us to use to help others see Him for what He is – THE ONE WHO LOVES EACH OF US ALWAYS! That does not mean He isn’t sometimes disappointed by our behavior, but He ALWAYS loves us and wants to reconcile when we fail.
Prepare for Sunday
To Prepare for this Sunday’s Liturgy of the Word, consider the following:
• Get to Reconciliation! Sin blocks us from understanding what the Holy Spirit is speaking.
• Read Chapter 8 of Romans, it is a great reflection of all of our Christian principles.
• Spend time with Jesus at the Adoration Chapel
• Look for ministry to help!