Matthew 13: 18-23
Jesus said to his disciples:
“Hear then the parable of the sower. When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what is sown in the heart; this is what was sown on the path. As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet such a person has no root, but endures only for a while, and when trouble or persecution arises on account of the word, that person immediately falls away. As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the lure of wealth choke the word, and it yields nothing. But as for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.”
New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.
How Do I Receive Jesus’s Teaching?
Using Ignatian Contemplation, I place myself in this scene where today’s parable, the parable of the sower, is going to be explained.
I am surrounded by the other disciples; we finally were able to escape the crowds that always seem to follow Jesus. It’s hot and dusty and we are all looking a tad bit confused. It’s hard deciphering the parables at times, and this one is no different. I listen to Jesus and my heart begins to be a faster. How do I receive Jesus’s teaching on the kingdom of God? I jump from one explanation to the next, each seeming to fit in some way. So often the evil one does rear its ugly head in my life, keeping me from a full life with God, or my stubbornness gets in the way of responding fully to God. And oh yes, I get caught up in the cares of this world, this consumeristic culture, often boxing out God and God’s kingdom. But I also know I am fertile ground for God’s word. This is what I am going to pay attention to, this is where I will put my energy, this is where God calls me. I breathe a sigh of relief.
—Tom Drexler is a graduate of Marquette University High School and Creighton University. At present he works in the advancement office of the Midwest Jesuits.
Prayer
Lord, help me to cultivate my roots in you. Gift my foundation with wisdom and my fruit with abundance. Guide me so that I bend, not fall, when the winds of life blow — for many are the benefits of life with you!
—Noelle Kirchner
Pray with the Pope
The Holy Father’s Monthly Prayer Intentions Brought to you by Apostleship of Prayer the first Friday of each month.