Scripture:
1 Timothy 6:13-16
Luke 8:4-15
Reflection:
Proclaiming the Gospel is intregal to sustaining the Kingdom of God.
We are all capable of hearing the Word of God, it is what we decide to do with that knowledge that seperates us. Notice in the Gospel that although the seeds have fallen in different places, they are still the Word of God, and all have heard.
Are we the seed that fell on rocky ground and are fair weathered believers? Are we the seed that fell on the path who allow temptations to remove the Word from our hearts? Are we the seed that fell among the thorns, although we believe, who are suffocated and fail to spread the Word? We must first identify who we are, which situation we are in and where can we go from there.
Those seeds which are fotunate enough to fall on rich soil, those who can hear the Word of God and embrace it with their whole hearts, are truly blessed. Yet, should it stop there? Those who received the Good News and are able to understand it, like the discipes, are they meant to keep it amongst themselves? We know that this not true, that we are called to spread what we know to others who may not know God in the same way. Those who have the ability to bear great fruit must tend to that seed that has no root, is being choked or has great temptation.
We have all seen God in our own experiences and ways and we must share that with each other. You never know who will be impacted by what you say or who will be drawn closer to God through your experience. Retreat ministry is the same, while the facilitator, director or speaker can get up and list off a number of experiences that brought them closer to God, you may not necisarily relate to them. Yet you may relate to that other retreatant that you had a passing conversation with which opened your eyes more to God’s great glory.This is why we must preach the Gospel to each other, through actions, expericences and conversations we can bring each other closer to God. We must be the caretakers of our earthly garden by tilling the land, watering the soil, and removing the thorns, so that each seed will know Him.
Kim Garcia is a Pastoral Associate at Holy Name Retreat Center in Houston, Texas