The Good Harvest

    

Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

23 July 2023

 

First Reading: Wis 12:13, 16-19

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 86:5-6, 9-10, 15-16

Second Reading: Rom 8:26-27

Gospel: Mt 13:24-43

 

Reflection

By: Ma. Rosalina S. Flores

 

Last Sunday's Gospel talked about the different kinds of soil to where the seeds fell as the sower went out to sow, putting emphasis on the rich soil that bears a hundredfold. Today, Jesus again proposed another parable, and this time it is about the kinds of harvest to which good seeds definitely produce good harvests.

We often hear the saying "Kapag may itinanim, may aanihin" (When something is planted, something is reaped)". But it is not enough that we reaped something, we should aim to have good harvests. Try to ask the farmers and you will know that they plant the good seeds, put up water irrigation, use pesticides as needed ensuring to have a good yield in the harvest season. Their work does not end in planting, instead, they exert constant effort to have a good reap.

Today, the Church celebrates the World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly. It is the third year of the celebration since Pope Francis established it in January 2021 that the fourth Sunday of July of each year be dedicated to our grandparents and the elderly as it is near the liturgical memorial of Saints Joachim and Anne, the grandparents of Jesus. Our Gospel reading today also fits the celebration as our elders are one of the examples of good harvests. They have aged healthily, blessed with wisdom, and competed well in their life's journey here on earth.

Just like our elders and farmers, may we double our hard work to become good harvests at the judgment day. Remember that Our Lord has made us good from the time we are conceived and continued to cultivate us to become good with His sacraments and teachings hoping that although the enemy plants weeds in the night, may we still emerge as good yield at the harvest time. This we can do, when we constantly seek Jesus in our life and reconcile with Him when commiting sin, knowing that He is good and forgiving.

Prayer

Lord, help us to become good harvests. Surely, we will experience many downfalls on the road, but help us to get back on track comforted with Your mercy and unconditional love for us. This we ask in Jesus' Name, Amen.