XV Sunday in OT:[A]: Is 55:10-11; Rom 8:18-23; Mt 13:1-23

XV Sunday in OT:[A]: Is 55:10-11; Rom 8:18-23; Mt  13:1-23

Introduction: Today is the 15^th Sunday in Ordinary Time and the Scripture Readings of today emphasize the constant and powerful action of the 'Word of God' to enlighten and to move our minds and hearts to believe in Him and to act accordingly. In the First Reading from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah, Isaiah compares the power of the word of God with rain and thereby its effect on us. Just as rain falls and makes the earth fertile and fruitful, so the word of God comes down to us and enriches our lives. If our lives are not enriched then we frustrate God. In the Second Reading from his Letter to the Romans, St. Paul refers to the fact that all humans and all creation suffer because of sin and he assures us that the present sufferings are nothing compared to future glory that awaits at the end of the process. In the Gospel Reading from St. Matthew, Jesus tells us 'The Parable of the Sower.' He emphasizes the variety of responses to the word of God. It is not due to God’s seed (word) that the harvest fails in some people’s lives, but the manner in which it is received. “The seed that falls on good ground will yield a fruitful harvest.”

Exegesis:  The parable of the Sower speaks to all of us. If we examine and tell ourselves the truth, each one of us will convincingly find our position within it, the type of soil we are and how far we have handled the seed sown in us. What do we do with the Word of God we hear proclaimed to us every day is one important question. This is because, for many, we have become used to it that it no longer makes meaning to us, and we have developed a very hard and tough skin towards it that it can no longer penetrate the walls of our heart. Do we still heed the call and instruction of the Word of God, and has it brought any ontological or functional change in our lives? If after hearing this Word preached to us every day and we still did not make heaven, who is to blame? Our pastors, priests, parents, brothers and sisters, who else? Of course, the obvious answer is, “I”, because to whom much is given much is expected. The Word of God is meant to transform us and help us live a better and healthier life.

Joke: A young man was walking through a supermarket to pick up a few things when he noticed an old lady following him around. Thinking nothing of it, he ignored her and continued on. Finally he went to the checkout line, but she got in front of him. "Pardon me," she said, "I'm sorry if my staring at you has made you feel uncomfortable. It's just that you look just like my son, who just died recently." "I'm very sorry," replied the young man, "is there anything I can do for you?" "Yes," she said, "As I'm leaving, can you say 'Good bye, Mother'? It would make me feel so much better." "Sure," answered the young man.
As the old woman was leaving, he called out, "Goodbye, Mother!" As he stepped up to the checkout counter, he saw that his total was $127.50. "How can that be?" He asked, "I only purchased a few things!" "Your mother said that you would pay for her," said the clerk.

Reflection: Finger pointing isn't much of a solution. God spoke to Adam. Adam was in charge. Adam was God's right-hand man, the one to whom He had given dominion, power and authority. Adam was responsible. Adam could have confessed his sin right then and there. The outcome may have likely been the same, but it would have been the mature thing to do. But notice how fear and self-condemnation so quickly twists one's way of thinking. “Then the man said, 'The woman whom You gave to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I ate.'”(3:12) Adam blamed the woman and blamed God for giving him the woman. “It wasn't me! She made me do it!” Sounds like present-day children blaming a sibling after being caught with their hand in the cookie jar. If we want to be word and light in a culture of blame shifting, then the Christian response is clear: We need to take ownership for our own wrong-doings. We need to accept the blame when we make a mistake, and we need to teach our children to do the same.

Fifteenth Sunday in OT: Introduction

   

Message: “The seed that falls on good ground will yield a fruitful harvest”. May the soil of our hearts be receptive to the Word and carry it out through the presence of the Spirit.

Saints and Events in this Week: 14-Forteenth-Monday-Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, virgin; 15-Fifteenth-Tuesday-Saint Bonaventure, bishop, doctor of the Church; 16-Sixteenth-Wednesday-Our Lady of Mount Carmel; 18-Eighteenth-Friday-Saint Camillus de Lellis, priest