Saint Angela Merici, Virgin (Optional Memorial)
Hear this! (Mark 4:3)
When a naval commander issues urgent or serious information, he barks out, “Now hear this!” It means stop what you’re doing, and listen carefully to what follows.
Jesus uses strikingly similar words in today’s Gospel reading. He wants everyone listening to pay careful attention to what he is about to say: “A sower went out to sow …” (Mark 4:3).
Perhaps you’ve wondered which group you belong in: the footpath, rocky ground, thorny soil, or rich soil. But Jesus wasn’t establishing a hierarchy of spirituality. All three of the first types of soil proved equally unhealthy to the seed. No, Jesus wanted to tell his hearers that in the kingdom of God, everyone’s life can be rich soil. Those outside the kingdom receive everything “in parables,” God’s gentle nudges intended to move them toward the kingdom (Mark 4:2). But those who have entered the kingdom have the capacity to receive insights about God that remain hidden from those who have yet to embrace the Lord.
Your life is rich soil! It has been prepared—by your training in the faith, your reception of the sacraments, and your prayer life—to receive the “seed” that falls on it, and to produce fruit. Do you hear the word of God? Well, accept it wholeheartedly the best you can, and allow the Holy Spirit to make it bear fruit in your life. When you become aware of how you may fall short, declare: “My life is rich soil.” Then ask the Holy Spirit to fertilize that area of your life so that it begins to bear fruit.
Ask the Lord to sow seeds of patience, gentleness, or peace in you. Ask him to provide you with whatever will cause these seeds to grow. Moments of kindness, flashes of wisdom or understanding, impulses to show hospitality—these are not random events. They are evidence that your life is good soil.
So when any Scripture passage resonates in you or stirs your heart, hear this. Heed it and dwell on it. You are more than capable of bearing rich fruit!
“Jesus, help me to hear your word and accept it with all my heart so that I will bear fruit for you.”
2 Samuel 7:4-17
Psalm 89:4-5, 27-30
Daily Marriage Tip for January 27, 2016:
Another practical way to help the poor this month: instead of eating out once, make a simple dinner together at home and send the money you saved to a local food pantry.