SAINT JANUARIUS, BISHOP AND MARTYR (OPTIONAL MEMORIAL)

On the path . . . on rocky ground . . . among thorns.

As Jesus spoke this parable, he was drawing a picture of the ways different people respond to his word. Our experience also tells us that there’s an element of each type of “soil” in each of us. From one day to the next, we might identify more closely with one or another of them. So let’s consider what these types of soil can tell us about our ability to receive and respond to God’s word.

The Path: This image captures times when you might have felt prompted to pray or read Scripture but pushed the thought aside. A good farmer would take steps to amend the soil to make it more fertile. What could you do? Make the effort to build prayer or Scripture reading into your daily schedule. Try setting a reminder on your computer or phone.

The Rocky Soil: In this case, you might have read a passage from Scripture or prayed for a particular situation. But it left your mind once you got involved in your day. You could amend this soil by having a journal in which you can write down passages that speak to you. Or keep a prayer list that you can refer to when you take the time to intercede.

The Thorns: Perhaps in prayer you were touched by God’s love and peace. But then you received some disturbing news, and anxiety overwhelmed you. Or you felt joyful during Eucharistic Adoration, but then your thoughts wandered and you became envious of someone in the chapel who seemed holier than yourself. Your joy or peace was choked by discontent. In this case, keep turning your attention back to what God just did in your heart. Recall the passage he brought to life for you or remind yourself of his love and trustworthiness.

We all want to respond to God’s word in a fruitful way. But no matter how we respond, it is immensely encouraging to know that our heavenly Father is always sowing seeds! He never tires of speaking to us and inviting us to bear fruit for his kingdom.

“Father, continue to sow the seeds of your word in my life. Improve the soil of my heart so that I can bear fruit for you.”

1 Corinthians 15:35-37, 42-49
Psalm 56:10-14