Title: Meditation: Sunday, July 12, 2002

The Catholic Calendar for Sunday, July 12, 2002
    The Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
    Isaiah 55:10-11
    Psalm 65:10-14
    Romans 8:18-23
    Matthew 13:1-23

A reflection on today's Scripture:

Today's parable of the Sower is a masterful description of why faith is
received by some and rejected by others. As a child, I was at first
unable to comprehend this story, much the same as the disciples. But
then, as the gospel unfolds with its explanation, it became more clear
to me.

In this answer to the riddle, Christ shows us why grace is blocked and
what we can do to allow faith to grow. For example, do we live out the
Ten Commandments in our daily lives?  Are we considerate of the needs of
others? Do we place ourselves in situations that are likely to cause us
to commit sin? Are we so engrossed in our search for wealth, that it
becomes our all-consuming master? Do we allow the shrill attractions of
the world -- media, people, things -- to stifle the proclamation of the
good news?

If we desire to become holy, to do God's will, to praise Him and be with
Him forever, then we must shun all that is unholy that is within
ourselves and all that is unholy that is outside us trying to get in. We
must be as little children, loving God and neighbor without guile. Our
resolve then, will be to examine our conscience every day to determine
what doesn't lead us to holiness.

              O Jesus, meek and humble of heart,
                   make my heart like unto thine.
                   Amen.

- Joachim, ocds


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