Daily Thoughts: Today’s gospel
reading (Matthew 13:18-23) in a way
does not require much thought or reflection. Jesus takes the time to explain
the meaning of the parable of the Sower and the Seed. What more can I say after
Jesus has explained his story? I certainly don’t want to second guess Jesus.
Perhaps I can reflect a little on the seed that has fallen on the good soil.
In Jesus’ story there are clear differences
of soil conditions for growth. So when we get to the good soil we might think
that what we get will always be 100%. However Jesus tells us that the yield is
not just 100 fold but also 60 and 30 fold. What is Jesus saying to us?
Perhaps one thing that Jesus is telling
us is that sometimes we can do our very best but the results can fall short. We
can do everything right, we can give 110% but because of factors beyond our
control we might only make it into the 30 or 60 range and that is ok! We have a
gracious God who accepts us as we are.
Another thing we might learn from Jesus’
reflection on the parable is that we should not judge other people’s yield. They
too may have done their very best and yet their yield is not 100fold. We just
have no way of knowing what God has planted in their hearts and how they have
responded to God invitation. In other words we cannot judge what may appear to
us to be low yield.
Perfectionism does not belong in the
spiritual life for God works in mysterious ways. Even if there seem to be
nothing but good soil we are never sure what the yield will be however if we
have done our best God will accept whatever the our soil puts forth. We just
have to strive to do the best we can. We may not know our yield potential but
God does. We just have to be good, faithful tillers of the soil and so that the
seed planted in us can grow.
Have a great Friday everyone!
Daily Prayer: Loving God, we
dedicate this new day to you as we go about our work and life. Give us
steadfast hearts which no unworthy affection may drag downward. Give us
unconquered hearts which no tribulations can wear out. Give us upright hearts,
which no unworthy purpose may tempt aside. Bestow upon us also, O Lord, our
God, understanding to know you, diligence to seek you, wisdom to find you, and
a faithfulness that may finally embrace you. Amen. (Adapted from a prayer by St. Thomas Aquinas)
A Runner’s Thoughts: Two thoughts
for runners today… “Believe me, the reward is not so great without the
struggle.” (Wilma Rudolph) and “Every
day, I stop halfway through my run for five minutes, look around, and enjoy the
surroundings. I'm reminded of why I do this and why I love it so much.” (Anita Ortiz) Both of these reflections
can also be applied to our journey through life as people of faith!
Daily Blessing: Friday
blessings and greetings to all. I hope your day has started off well and that
it will be blessed in a special way as you journey through it. If you are
finding life a struggle today please know as always you are in my prayers and I
will say a special prayer that it gets at least a little better as the day goes
on.
The weather is beautiful here in
northeastern Pennsylvania. It looks to be a beautiful day on this the eight day
of the novena here at St. Ann’s. We will be heading into our closing weekend
tomorrow and things will get very busy around here. It continues to be a
wonderful novena, very spirit filled. Please know the prayer requests that many
of you have sent along to me are being taken to prayer each day. I hope you are
enjoying good weather wherever you are and that today will be a day to enjoy!
Have a great day and once again may God
bless you with a strong and joyful faith so that the work you do and the life
you live today will yield 30, 60 or 100 fold all of which is blessed, excepted,
and planted within you by our loving God! Peace in Christ’s Passion…Fr. Paul
No comments:
Post a Comment