15thSunday of Ordinary Time
July 16, 2017
Gospel: Matthew 13:1-23.
Reflexión Personal:
In this reading, what word or phrase stands out? Why?
Are you attracted to something in the reading? Why?
Do you feel any resistance? Why?
Journaling
(Use your journal)
Commentary:
Generally, sowing seeds was spread by hand as the sower walked the field. The fields were small compared to today, and sowing was imprecise. It was natural for some seeds to fall into unproductive areas. Roads intersected the fields, and the earth was packed by the weight of so many feet. Much of the land consisted of a thin layer of earth on a stone base. The stone absorbed the heat of the day, releasing it at night. This caused the seed to sprout rapidly (v.5). The outskirts of the fields were infested with thorns, and weed seeds were blown to freshly plowed land, invisible to the sower but ready to sprout and drown the good seeds.
This sower knows all that, but "sows generously, spreading the seed as broadly as he can, without thinking of the risks, much as God sheds his mercy upon mankind". This is a story of the greatness of God. The church is also great, proclaiming the Gospel among primitive tribes in distant jungles and among youth gangs in urban neighborhoods. In some cases, the sower is martyred. In some cases, the sower will spend his life in the mission field without seeing a substantial result.
In some cases, the sower spends hours preparing a sermon for only ten or twelve people. Jesus assures us that we should not think that our effort is in vain. Things happen that we can not see. Not only is the seed running beneath the surface, but God is also working. God will reap the harvest, and it will be abundant.
Life Connections:
- From your personal reflection today, how have you connected to this Gospel passage? How is it good news for you?
- If you are involved in a Church ministry, when have you felt frustrated or discouraged with it? What gives you the strength to carry on?
- What practices do you have in your life to keep yourself in good soil?