Reflections on Scripture | Memorial of Saints Joachim and Anne, Parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Join Msgr. Don Fischer as he reads and delivers a short reflection on today’s gospel, followed by 3 1/2 minutes of contemplative music and a closing prayer. Msgr. Don hopes that today’s reflection on the gospel will empower you to carry the Word in your heart throughout the day.

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Gospel
Matthew 13:18-23

Jesus said to his disciples:
“Hear 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.”

Reflection

We learn something about human nature here, that the work of becoming who God calls us to be, to be authentic, to be who we really are, is not an easy thing. And It takes work and takes time. But it seems that if we believe it, if we believe that the things he's asking us to do or to understand, if we know that that's true, then there's going to be a capacity to do this work of receiving the truth in a way that will not be destroyed by our human weaknesses.

Jesus said, it’s the one who hears the word and understands it. That's the key.

Closing Prayer

Father, you reveal yourself as a God that is a Trinity. God the father, the creator. God the son, the Redeemer. Then you have this mysterious Holy Spirit, which is the one who is there with you to help you understand, to help you to see. That's the purpose of the Holy Spirit, to be that catalyst in us that opens our eyes to see what is true. And we ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Kyle Cross