The Good Soil

    

Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

16 July 2023

 

 

First Reading:  Isaiah 55:10-11

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 64(65):10-14

Second Reading: Romans 8:18-23

Gospel: Matthew 13:1-23

Reflection

By: Theresa B. Manio

 

The seed that falls on good ground will yield a fruitful harvest.

The Gospel reading reminds us about the different ways people received the Word of God. Jesus compared them to soils where these seeds fall upon. Some people reject the word of God and His teachings to the point of tampering or making fun of it. Some are receptive and respond at first but because of shortcomings and temptations, they become hard and cause pain to others like the cliche’ that says "hurt people hurt people". However, there are still people who seek the truth, listen to it, and do something to be Jesus’ witnesses to people. What kind of soil are you then? Is it possible too that we become different soils in our lifetime?

Personally, I think the Gospel does not ask us to look at the people around us and label them as to the kind of soil they are based on from what we see in their words and actions. But rather, an invitation to personally look into ourselves and determine what kind of soil we are at the present moment. In this world, where clout chasing and cancel culture is popular, do we gather likes to the hurt that we are feeling? Is the invitation that we give out to the world are words of hate and dissatisfaction? Are we spreading hope so people can still change for the better?

We are called to practice humility.  In this world full of temptations, where we have lots of channels to focus on our feelings, let us be discerning. May we choose vulnerability over power, kindness over prestige, and meekness over strength. May our dependence on God and our faith make us more kind, more loving, and more understanding. Being the good soil is never easy, but we can keep on trying to be one. If we want spaces, we must be willing to make the effort to create safe spaces ourselves. May we inspire the next neighbor beside us to cultivate an environment where seeds can grow, where each person can thrive.  May the Lord be with us always, that through us, many more may come to be saved, and may we always thrive to be the good soil so we may continue to bear the fruits of our faith.

Prayer

Dear Lord, may we respond to the invitation of humility with renewed faith, that we thrive to maintain being a good soil so that we can share our real selves to others, to the Church, and to the community. May we be willing to accept Your call to collaborate in the vineyard. Amen.