Homily (Reflection) for Friday of the
Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time (II) (27th July, 2018) on the Gospel
Jer 3:14-17;
Jer 31:10-13. (R. cf. v.10);Matt 13:18-23.
Topic: Prepare the ground.
This gospel explains the parable of the sower. The seed on
the path is one who hears the word of God and does not understand it, the evil one
takes it away. When one receives the word with joy but without root, he/she
easily falls away when trouble or persecution arises on account of the word.
This is the seed on the rocky ground. The seed among thorns is the one who
hears the word but the earthly worries and lure of wealth choke the word. And one
who hears the word and understands it is the seed on good soil.
The emphasis is on understanding the word and not on hearing.
Borrowing the words of Saint Paul, people have heard the word of God, cf. Rom 10:18. However, to what extent it
has been understood is a subject of another discussion. Those Christ called blessed
are not the ones who only hear the word of God but those who hear it and do (keep)
it, cf. Lk 8:21. 11:28.
Everyone has some roles to play both to hear and to understand
the word of God. They include listening and asking pertinent questions, cf. Deut 32:7; Matt 10:14; Mk 9:7; Lk 9:35.
The unfolding of God’s words gives light; it imparts understanding to the
simple, cf. Ps 119:130. Everyone must
therefore humbly turn to God for help to understand His word.
One may not be a good soil today. However, one can turn to be
the best. Remember, the word of God is “the helmet of salvation, and the sword
of the Spirit” (Eph 6:17).
Bible Reading: Eph 6:10-17.
Thought for today: People die for want of knowledge, cf. Hos 4:6.
Let us pray: Lord, give us your Spirit, the
spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit
of knowledge and the fear of the LORD – Amen (cf. Is 11:2).
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May
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