Cycle A - Year II:  

15 July 2014: 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time 

(Liturgical color: Green)

Matthew 13:1-23

Faith that grows!

In the past weeks hot in the news is the sudden and unexplained increase in the price of some agricultural produce, such as rice, garlic and onions, and vegetables. The official government pronouncement is that there is enough supplies of these agricultural products in the market. So why the increase in prices? Is their profiteering and hoarding for the benefit of the few?

Today's Gospel on the Parable of the Sower has something to do with farming and agriculture, and may provide helpful tips on our every day life as practicing Christians.

We know that our Lord Jesus Christ is a great teacher and many came to him to listen and learn. He used simple teaching methods, based on ordinary every day life to point to another order of reality. Among these is the use of parables, which are short stories and images taken from everyday life of his time to convey hidden truths about the kingdom of God. A good image and vivid illustrations can speak more loudly and clearly than many words, and thus capture the imaginations of his audience more powerfully.

What does the Parable of Sower say to us about God's kingdom? What is its relevance to our every day life?

The Parable of the Sower is addressed to those who can hear God's word, either through

reading the Holy Bible or through the official teachings of the Church. Our response to God's word, insofar as its impact in our every day life, is liken to the fate of a seed that is planted in different kind of soil. It either grows to produce much fruits, or withers and dies.

Our Lord Jesus himself explains the meaning of this parable to his disciples. Let us summarize its message:

Some of us hear God's word without understanding it, or perhaps totally ignoring it (like the seed that fell on the path; the birds came and ate it up)

Others receive God's word but only for a while. Eventually they get tired and give up altogether (like the seed that fell on rocky ground without roots and lasts only for a time).

Still others do listen to God's word, try to live by it but then get distracted or tempted by worldly pleasures and glory (like the seed sown among thorns and the thorns choked it).

And then there are those who listen to God's word to understand it, live by it, and thus produce bountiful harvest of authentic Christian living of love and service to others.

In practical life, it is our personal choice how we plant the "seed" of faith in our lives. If we want it to grow into a living faith we need to nourish it in the rich soil of our heart. As any good farmer knows, we must prepare the soil by receiving the Word with our hearts and minds and heeding its call to action.

In the Eucharist, let us pray that we listen and understand God's word in order to become good and practicing Christians. Let us pray that the Holy Spirit empower us to bring about a just and humane society, equitable distribution of goods, and good governance in public service.

A blessed Sunday to us all. And thank you for a moment with God.

Ad Jesum per Mariam!