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Today's Gospel: Mark 4:1-20

Memorial of Saint Thomas Aquinas, Priest and Doctor of the Church

Two things strike me as I read this gospel. One, Jesus explains this parable to the disciples, and two, you can be more than one type of soil. Often times when Jesus speaks in parables he does not explain it and so we are left maybe a bit confused. In this case Jesus not only explains the parable but expresses our need to understand “this parable” or we may not understand “any of the parables.” Clearly it is important. This brings me to point two, being more than one type of soil.

On a casual reading of this gospel I often thought, “What kind of soil am I?” You too may have pondered that question. In digging deeper (pardon the pun) though I realize I have been different soils at different times in my life. I am not speaking here of the idea that as one grows in the spiritual life one changes. I mean on a regular basis I can be any soil. I can be the path, rocky, full of thorns, or rich soil.

Is it possible to always be rich soil? Possibly, but I know I’m not if I am honest before God. Life has a way of not going according to plan and so I sometimes forget what keeps me from being good soil and I get lured away, my roots wither, or I am among thorns. How do we stop that from happening?

The sacraments and prayer, our spiritual sisters or brothers who hold us accountable, and being mindful can help us live as rich soil. Our Sower loves us and wants us to bear fruit. We do that when we hear and accept the Word and the words he has for us as we go through our lives.

Ponder:

What do I need to do on a regular basis to keep my soil rich so I can bear fruit?

Pray:

Lord, guide me in my desire to be rich soil and bear fruit. Help me to hear your word and live in it. Teach me your plan and let me share what you give me with others. Amen.

We thank our friends at The Word Among Us for providing our gospel reflection team with copies of Abide In My Word 2015: Mass Readings at Your Fingertips. To pray the daily gospels with this wonderful resource, visit The Word Among Us.

Copyright 2015 Deanna Bartalini