I’m reminded of what it takes to make rich soil: compost, organic materials and microorganisms, access to good light and water and the gift of time. That fruit-bearing of the good soil “a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold” comes with time. It is akin to the life of those who hear “the word and understand.” It’s a life, not a day. It’s a commitment, not a casual one-off. Persons bringing in a harvest for the Kingdom are digging in not only for what’s growing now but preparing for eternity.
Today’s memorial of Sts. Joachim and Anne, the parents of Mary and the grandparents of Jesus, recollects how the faith is nourished and passed down in families. The domestic church is the ecosystem where seeds of faith take root.
*** 'Path' soil in Matthew 13:4, 19, "He scattered the seed on the ground. Some fell on a path. Birds came and ate it up...(meaning) People hear the message about the kingdom but do not understand it. Then the evil one comes. He steals what was planted in their hearts. Those people are like the seed planted on a path." *** 'Rocky' soil in Matthew 13:5-6, 20-21, "Some seed fell on rocky places, where there wasn’t much soil. The plants came up quickly, because the soil wasn’t deep. When the sun came up, it burned the plants. They dried up because they had no roots...(meaning) The seed that fell on rocky places is like other people. They hear the message and at once receive it with joy. But they have no roots. So they last only a short time. They quickly fall away from the faith when trouble or suffering comes because of the message." *** 'Thorny' soil in Matthew 13:7, 22, "Other seed fell among thorns. The thorns grew up and crowded out the plants...(meaning) The seed that fell among the thorns is like others who hear the message. But then the worries of this life and the false promises of wealth crowd it out. They keep the message from producing fruit." ******* How is the good rich soil developed? Matthew 13:8, 23, "Still other seed fell on good soil. It produced a crop 100, 60 or 30 times more than what was planted....(meaning) The seed that fell on good soil represents those who truly hear and understand God’s Word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted!” *** Yes, the good rich soil are those "who truly hear and understand God's Word!" in Matthew 13:9, "Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand." *** What is the seed? Luke 8:11, "This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is God’s Word!" *** The good rich soil starts with hearing and understanding God's Word!!! ******* Do you know how much Scripture did Mary (just read her song of praise recalling God's faithfulness in Luke 1:46-55) and Jesus (find out where he quoted Scripture starting with his 40 days in the desert) know??? *** What would be the seeding rate to overcome the 'path,' 'rocky,' and 'thorny' soils? *** From my life experience, my soil is all 4 types of soil at different times and seasons of my life! *** So for me, the more seeds (God's Word) are planted, the more chances (25 percent of germination) of harvest!!!
Thank you Jane for your heartfelt wishes...Ken, thanks for always praying for our low lying coastlines in the Caribbean... you see the erosion occuring before your eyes...Peggy, I will let my mom know you said hi.... she is very deep in her faith and never misses mass...Vicky, I am so happy your son met someone from the DR to tender assistance....Caribbean people are helpful and full of warmth, in Trinidad, there is now a campaignto sensitize others about Autism... it is a great step... may the Lord bless those involved in this very important issue... in Grenada, we were surrounded by beauteous individuals..... the Polish priest hails from Poland and on the day he arrived, he never looked back... he is well loved by everyone
Cheryl, Amen! I have two friends from DR from church, more like daughters and they have been a blessing to the loneliness of empty arms. And yes, the erosions of the islands are really sad. The beach I went to in the town I lived when a little girl does not exist anymore just a retaining wall. I have no idea how to follow conversations here or to follow up on messages I post, so forgive me if I don't reply to a message. Blessings to everyone! Mila
At one point my wife could not grow a plant, but after carefully nurturing them, they now grow very well. This isn't just a plant story, it's also a life story.
Thank you Vicky for sharing your story about your son. It was very encouraging to hear how determined he was to get his special driver’s license and the patience he used in a would be frustrating situation. It gives me hope for my 13 year old autistic grandson Zachary. He is a beautiful, pure hearted boy and he has loving parents. He is getting in the awkward stage of young teen and seems to be withdrawing from making new friends and of course my heart aches for him. I pray that he gains confidence in himself and realizes how much he has to offer the world. Sending prayers for you and your son. ❤️
Thank you for this reflection Pat. So much effort to make rich soil, but so much promise and potential for the crop. May we all be a rich place for the word to be planted and harvested and yield abundance. Will be attending the live stream of Roman’s funeral today. May perpetual light shine upon him and eternal rest grant unto him oh Lord. Also lifting Clarence, Irene and Karen with healing prayers. Wishing the Olympians a wonderful journey over the next few weeks. Amen.
Lord please hear our prayers and bring your light to all those experiencing natural disasters, and those in Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur, the Sudan, in addition to all those suffering around the world - also for their strength, courage and resilience to continue walking in faith. Send them your light. Father in Heaven, have mercy on us and on the whole world! You sent Your Son, the Prince of Peace, for the salvation of the world. We pray that the Peace of Christ will reign in Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur and Sudan. Please protect and send aid to those in need and all who are at-risk. We pray for peace and rebuilding– we who are working towards it and for all those who are suffering or in danger from conflicts. We pray for an end to violence and war – we pray for wisdom for all leaders who have a hand in this. Lord God please help those in most need of thy mercy. Amen.
Now drops the Seed (Word of God); Jesus is the Tiller; and I am the soil. The soil of free will. How receptive am I of the Seed and Tiller? Given the world’s divisiveness, not so much.
Bruce, you have a good sense of humor with a touch of reality…makes it a perfect satire :-)
Bruce: instead of adding to the world's divisiveness, try having a positive attitude - which the Tiller can give you if you but ask it of Him. Pray that the Holy Spirit may inspire you to move forward in the positive manner. I'm praying for you too! :-)
Thank you Pat for your reflection today...I pray that my faith in our wonderful Lord is passed down to my children..... yesterday, my mom and I returned from spending a week in the tiny island of Grenada. We managed to attend mass at a beautiful church tucked away along the beach.... after speaking to the devoted priest for a while... he renewed my faith tenfold and gave me a lot of hope for the future... thank you Lord for all your blessings... thank you Living Faith for featuring Caribbean fruits today.... to the right of the water melons there is the sorrel which makes the traditional red Christmas drink and to the left of the green figs is the yellow passion fruit which makes a refreshing, flavourful juice... may the Lord keep everyone safe today
Cheryl I frequently think of you and the people living in the Caribbean low coastlines always subject to flooding and effects of global warming. I will keep you and them in my prayers. Amy I also got the solution to Connections yesterday and my youngest son Chris says you can google the archives. VickyG I also have an austic grown son with Asperger's syndrome but he hasn't been able to find something for employment. He has degrees in the classics and history, and library science. Two small fawns visit everyday and watching them romp around is Joyful. The Lord has done great things to me. Ken
Good morning Cheryl, everything about your story is very touching to me. How wonderful that you were able to spend time with your Mom at a beautiful place together. The inspiration you received from the priest at the Church, the meaning behind the fruits of the Caribbean and, of course, your sharing this with all of us. Thank you and say hello to your Mom for me!
Thanks Cheryl. Just a little feel good story today to boost those who see the news and are downcast about the world. My youngest 26 year old autistic son (think Rain Man kinda guy) used his determination to get a CDL license (commercial driver’s license) and after much struggle and a lot of God’s help was hired by a company that uses those big trucks that drive around and shred huge amounts of confidential papers for businesses. As with any motorized vehicle, breakdowns occur. On the side of the road in the 100 degree temps three weeks ago in the Georgia heat he waited for the tow truck for his 33,000 pound vehicle. A very nice man from the Dominican Republic showed up to either fix or tow his truck (the same man has towed other friends and they say he is so sweet to everyone). After a little while of working he stopped for a break and pulled out his lunch which he offered to share with my son. My son was so excited when he came home telling us he needed to get some sorrel. We had no idea what he was talking about but the man had shared his fruit with him and he liked it. Knowing my little man he will recall this man’s kindness and conversation every time he enjoys this fruit again. Such a small kindness on an unpleasant day to bring a smile back to someone else over and over. Our world can be what God intended if people will give but also take in a loving attitude. Jesus gave and blessed those that accepted His gifts of healing in mind, body and spirit. May we be not only a cheerful giver but acceptor as well. Stormy and all I hope this lets a little ray of good in the world shine through!
Cheryl, thank you for your post with its vivid descriptions. It immediately took me to a calm white beach with warm sun, sand and vibrant colors / flavors of the Caribbean. What a blessed experience for you and your mother. You refreshed our souls today. Have a great weekend.
❤️
Thank you Pat. Yes, praying for rich soil! Ken…I pray your entrance into your next decade is, as always, God Blessed! Enjoy it all!❣️
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Amen, Vicky G! Loved your post. A little kindness, which costs nothing, can go a long way; not only for the receiver, but for the giver as well.