Daily Gospel Reflection for July 26, 2023

Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

Today's Gospel: Matthew 13:1-9

In this parable of the sower, the seed represents the Word of God. There is a path where the seed is quickly eaten by birds. In these places, the Word of God never takes root. It is heard but ignored. Some falls on rocky ground where there is little soil. Small plants grow but quickly die because they lack firm roots. The Word takes root but it provides only a surface change in the person. There is no deep change of heart; as soon as trials come, the Word is discarded and the person goes back to their old way of life. Other seeds grow but are choked by thorns. In these cases, the Word of God grows in a person, but the world with its temptations and influences kills it.

Finally, some seed falls on rich soil and plants grow that bear much fruit. We all want to be that place where the Word of God takes deep root and produces beautiful fruit that is a blessing to others, creating additional seeds that can also take root. How can we be that rich soil, fertilizing our lives so that we are ready to hear the Word of God and have it make a difference in our lives and those around us? We can devote a portion of each day to prayer, opening our hearts to God so that He may work in us. We can attend Mass. We can pray to the Holy Spirit for guidance. We can commit to reading Scripture every day (the daily lectionary readings on USCCB.org are a great place to start). The more time we spend with Scripture, reading and reflecting on it, the more it will become an integral part of us, and the more we will be able to share it with others.

Ponder:

How can you cultivate your love for the Word of God?

Pray:

Dear Lord, please help me to be the rich soil in which Your words can take root and bear much fruit.

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How can we be that rich soil, fertilizing our lives so that we are ready to hear the Word of God? #DailyGospel

Copyright 2023 Patrice Fagnant-MacArthur