Homily (Reflection) for the Memorial of
Saint Francis de Sales, B.D., (24th January, 2018) on the Gospel and
the Memorial
(Wednesday of the Third Week in Ordinary
Time (II))
2Sam 7:4-17;
Ps 88:4-5.27-30 (R. v.29);
Mk 4:1-20.
Saint Francis de Sales (21st August, 1567 –
28th December, 1622) was born to a noble family at Chateau de Sales[1].
His father destined him to be a lawyer and strongly opposed his desire to
become a priest. He was later ordained and elected provost of the Diocese of
Geneva. Francis set out to convert Calvinists by preaching and distributing the
little pamphlets he wrote to explain true Catholic doctrine with remarkable
success. He became bishop of Geneva at 35. While administering his diocese he
continued to preach, hear confessions, and catechize the children. His gentle
character was a great asset in winning souls. He practiced his own axiom, “A
spoonful of honey attracts more flies than a barrelful of vinegar.” Besides his
two well-known books, the Introduction to the Devout Life and A
Treatise on the Love of God, he wrote many pamphlets and carried on a
vast correspondence. He addressed his writings to lay people to make them
understand that they too are called to be saints. He collaborated with Saint
Jane Frances de Chantal in establishing the Sisters of the Visitation. Saint
Francis de Sales is the patron of the Catholic Press[2].
Topic: Soil type and the
harvest.
In today’s gospel, we see the parable of the sower, the
purpose, and the meaning. While sowing the seed, some fell on the path, others
on the rocky ground, some fell among the thorns, and others fell into good
soil. Those that fell on the path were eaten up by the birds. And those on the
rocky ground although they sprang up quickly but were scorched and withered before
they could bear fruits, cf. Ps 129:6.
The thorns grew up and choked the seed that fell among them. Finally, the seed
that fell into the good soil “brought forth grain, growing up and increasing
and yielding thirty and sixty and a hundredfold”.
Jesus explained that the seed is the word of God. The seed
that fell along the road refers to people Satan takes away the word of God
immediately they hear it. Those on the rocky ground refers to those who receive
the word with joy in whom it lasts just a while because they have no root. The
word does not survive troubles and persecutions that arise on its account. And
those who fell among the thorns refer to those in whom the word is choked by
the cares of the world, the lure of wealth, and/or the desire for other things.
Finally, those who fell into good soil refer to people in whom the word bears
fruits.
Jesus told us, “You did not choose me, but I chose you and
appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should
abide; so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you” (Jn 15:16). And in the letter of Saint
James we also read, “rid yourselves of all sordidness and rank growth of
wickedness, and welcome with meekness the implanted word that has the power to
save your souls” (Jas 1:21).
If then anyone wants to bear fruits, he/she must prepare his/her
soul for God’s word. If one fails to prepare for the word, it will certainly
fall either on the path or on rocky ground or among the thorns. And we know
that none of the seeds that fell on any of these places was able to bear fruit.
Chose what you want and work towards that.
Bible Reading: Jas 1:19-27.
Thought for today: The word can only be fruitful in good soil.
Let us pray: Lord, we have been fallow for
various reasons. We ask you to make us the best of soil for your word – Amen.
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