The Seed and the Soil

by Fr. Jess Ty  |  07/12/2020  |  Weekly Reflection

Dear Family of God,

Jesus explains the Parable of the Seed and the Soil: “The seed sown on rich soil is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields a hundredfold...” (Matthew 13:23). To listen to the word of God is not enough, we have to understand it too, that is put it into practice in our lives so it will bear fruit. Saint James said in his letter: “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves” (James 1:22).

I remembered an anecdote regarding the parable of the coconut; a mature coconut must be eaten, or, it has to be planted for new life. If we just keep it, it will rot and be wasted. The same is true for the Word of God; just hearing the Word and doing nothing is not enough, it has to have a transforming effect on our lives, bearing fruit and helping others to be “fed”, or influenced by it.

God said through the Prophet Isaiah: “My word shall not return to me void, but shall do my will, achieving the end for which I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:11). God has a purpose for why He created us and put us in this time and place. We are to help others know Him, worship Him and serve Him, so we will all be at peace now, and forever happy in heaven. Saint Paul encourages us saying: “I consider that the sufferings of this present time are as nothing compared with the glory to be revealed for us” (Romans 8:18).

May Our Lady of Joy, model of obedience, help us to be like her always obedient to the will of God saying to Archangel Gabriel: “Let it be done to me according to your Word.”

In Christ through Mary,

Fr. Jess Ty