Friday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Matthew 13:18-23
“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 of the
Word, he immediately falls away. 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. 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.”
Opening Prayer: Lord Jesus, open my
heart so that I might receive your Word and hear it in a new way today.
Come Holy Spirit, help me learn what you want to teach me though this
parable.
Encountering Christ:
- Learn Something New: We may
have heard this parable many times, but God is speaking to us anew each
time we hear it. We can ask God what he is trying to reveal to us today,
at this very moment. Praying with
Scripture changes our hearts: “Indeed, the word of God is living and
effective, sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating even between
soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and able to discern reflections and
thoughts of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12). How is the Holy Spirit calling me
to deeper conversion by hearing Jesus explain this Gospel? How can I
increase my love of God and my neighbor by praying with this parable
today?
- Our Faith Journey: After
reading this parable, we might be tempted to think, “I’m so glad that I
have good soil. Mission accomplished!” Not so fast, though. Most of us
have been through all the stages of the path in the parable. Our hearts
were once on the path of ignorance and did not understand what God was
teaching us through his Word. Our hearts have had rocky soil when we
have questioned our faith or fallen away during a time of trial. We have
dealt with the weeds and thorns of our own distractions and anxieties,
which can choke out the fruits of our good works. Our Lord asks us to
reflect once again on the state of our soil and, by the light of the
Holy Spirit, to repent and be converted.
- Bear One Another’s Burdens:
Remembering our own faith journey helps us to be more compassionate when
we notice others struggling with rocks, weeds, and thorns. It’s our
Christian duty to help one another: “Bear one another’s burdens, and so
you will fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2). When we encounter
someone who questions his or her faith–be it because of a persecution, a
trial, or worldly distractions, or anxieties–simply sharing our
Christ-filled presence and compassion may be enough to help that person
remove the obstacle that is keeping him or her from bearing fruit.
Conversing with Christ: Lord Jesus,
till the soil in my heart and help me to bear good fruit for you, fruit
that will last (John 15:16). Help me to recall my own faith journey and
give me the grace to draw from my experiences when it can help others
grow and flourish in their lives of faith.
Resolution: Lord, today by your grace I
will look for an opportunity to bear the burdens of someone close to
me. I will listen with compassion, praying silently as he or she speaks.
For Further Reflection: Read this blog post from the Catholic Spiritual Direction website on bearing one another’s burdens out of love for God and our neighbors.
Written by Carey Boyzuck.
The post Journey of Faith appeared first on RC Spirituality.
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