Greetings on this the Wednesday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Jer 1:1, 4-10; Ps 71:1-2, 3-4a, 5-6ab, 15 and 17; Mt 13:1-9
Sow what
A little word play there. Here is the NABRE commentary on the Parable of the Sower.
Since in Palestine sowing often preceded plowing, much of the seed is scattered on ground that is unsuitable. Yet while much is wasted, the seed that falls on good ground bears fruit in extraordinarily large measure. The point of the parable is that, in spite of some failure because of opposition and indifference, the message of Jesus about the coming of the kingdom will have enormous success.
Reference: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/mt/13?3#48013003
Sow and Plow (Plough)
Sowing is to broadcast seed in a sweeping motion across the field to be later harvested. The sowing action is the first step. After sowing the farmer will then plow the earth to break up the soil and provide two benefits: (1) cover the seeds to protect them from birds; and (2) to make the soil ready to receive and hold the rain water.
Astro Science
If you want to take a cosmic view then this video on the James Webb Telescope Summary of Amazing Discoveries is a great place to start.
Summary
The seeds of God’s love is sown in a broadcast form. Meaning that the Lord does not scatter seed in little increments or for a select few but generously and completely across the entirety of living things, past, present and future. In particular for men a broadcast of the needed forgiveness and mercy we so desperately need.
In this natural state people respond, well, naturally. Sometimes responsive and sometimes not so well. Yet the Lord is not done. There is the plowing to come. In this second phase the Lord helps us to integrate these blessings into a fruitful life and a happy life.
The gift of the Son and the Holy Spirit is the covering over and aiding in the protection and growth of the seed within our hearts. Ya gotta dig a little dirt to get the best out of the blessings.
Reflection
Scattering blessings is a starting point. It is the evidence of the generosity of the Lord. He does not stop there. He sends gifts of himself (the Son and the Holy Spirit) to make the scattered seed grow.
Personal Reflection
It is always a cooperative effort between the divine and the human to bring about fruitfulness. You are not alone. You’re covered.
Sacred Readings
Full link: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/072424.cfm
First Reading
Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I dedicated you, a prophet to the nations I appointed you.
Responsorial
I will sing of your salvation.
Gospel Acclamation
The seed is the word of God, Christ is the sower; all who come to him will live for ever.
Gospel
The Parable of the Sower.
On that day, Jesus went out of the house and sat down by the sea. Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat down, and the whole crowd stood along the shore. And he spoke to them at length in parables.
“A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seed fell on the path, and birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky ground, where it had little soil. It sprang up at once because the soil was not deep, and when the sun rose it was scorched, and it withered for lack of roots. Some seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it. But some seed fell on rich soil, and produced fruit, a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold. Whoever has ears ought to hear.”
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry