Gospel Reading: Matthew 13:1-23
Just one week ago, we celebrated the 250th anniversary of our country. In The Declaration of Independence, it is stated, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.”
For us as believers, Jesus presented parables such as “The Sowers of the Seeds.” Unfortunately, for some, the meanings of parables are not as self-evident as the rights of our Constitution. Just what are our spiritual unalienable rights? What does Isaiah mean in the first reading when he writes, “Thus says the Lord… so shall my word be that goes forth from my mouth?’
We need to be responsible bearers of the Word: “Blessed are your eyes, because they see, and your ears because they hear.” We must take time for careful reflection. Meditation and prayer are needed to fortify these words of Sacred Scripture. The Constitution was not written in one night, nor will we be able to absorb all the words of Jesus in a single day.
When we sow our seed on good soil, we begin to grow in the ways of the Lord, and fruit will abound. Take advantage of all the opportunities sent our way: Adoration, homilies, podcasts, bible study, spiritual reading, the rosary, to name a few.
St. Paul’s letter to the Romans in today’s second reading states that, “We ourselves have the first fruits of the Spirit.” So, we already have a head start on our journey to holiness.
If we can follow Jesus in His instructions to us, then we may find life, liberty, and the pursuit of earthly and heavenly happiness.
Sister Mary Joan Jacobs, CSFN
