Scripture:
Wisdom 12:13, 16-19
Matthew 13:24-43
Reflection:
The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man who sowed good seed in his field. The seed is the word of God. Luke 8:11
St Paul of the Cross, Founder of the Passionists, had a very special devotion to God’s Word in the Scriptures. He would take his Bible and go out into the woods of Monte Argentario and open his heart to God’s word. He would spend hours each day doing this. We find quotes from almost every book in Scripture in his letters. His love for Scripture brought him close to God. He was a very good listener to God. The heart of great communication is listening. Closeness to God comes from communication with Him. It is essential for being near to God to listen to His Word, the "good seed". If the word is planted in our hearts it will give birth to an intimacy with God. What is deepest in the mind and heart of God is expressed in His Good Seed. "The heart of God opens itself to us in God’s Word." (Dietrich Bonhoeffer)
Familiarity with God implies great listening skills to what lies close to God’s Heart.
This mind and heart of Christ is expressed in the seed of His word to us. "If anyone loves
me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come to him, and make our abode with him." John 14:23 In today’s gospel the seed of the word makes us precious children of God.
In Palestine scientists found seeds of the extinct Judean Date Palm that were over 2000 years old and managed to germinate one. The ancient good seed of the Gospel still has power to spout a deep and warm friendship with Jesus even though it was spoken long ago. It is no wonder that Jesus often encourages us to listen. It is the secret of intimacy with God. "Whoever has ears ought to hear!"
Mt 13: 43
Fr. Bob Weiss, C.P. conducts parish missions and retreats. He lives in the Passionist community in Detroit, Michigan.