Scripture:
Jeremiah 14:17-22
Matthew 13:36-43
Reflection:
Once again our Scriptures give us a blueprint to help us grow in relationship with our God if we so choose.
We read in the Alleluia verse:
“The seed is the Word of God, Christ is the Sower; All who come to him will live forever.”
And in the Gospel we read:
“Whoever has ears ought to hear!”
The Word of God planted by Christ in our hearts can give us everlasting peace and hope. It can also challenge us to listen with our ears and respond accordingly. During these pandemic times we are surrounded by so many voices, some that give us hope while others cause us to despair. Even as we try to listen and follow the directives set forth from those who have our best interest and wellbeing at heart
It is difficult to remain positive and hopeful.
My faith tells me that no matter how bad things seem to be, God is in charge and we will get through this. I also ask myself what are we supposed to learn from all of this? I find my hope once again in the words of Jesus in today’s Gospel. There are good seeds as well as weeds. There is the loving sower,Jesus, but also the evil one, the Devil! If we are people of faith (the good seed) connected to the sower, Jesus, and make the effort to avoid the weeds sown by the Devil, we will produce a bountiful harvest of love, compassion and mercy!
There are multiple examples of love, compassion and mercy being sown on a daily basis in the midst of this pandemic! The challenge for us is to keep our ears open, our eyes focused and our hearts willing so that we can share the harvest of good news that Jesus continues to preach and respond accordingly! AMEN!
Theresa Secord recently retired as a Pastoral Associate at St. Agnes Parish, Louisville, Kentucky.