Readings: Jeremiah 3:14-17, Jeremiah 31:10-13, Matthew 13:18-23
“As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the lure of wealth choke the word, and it yields nothing. (Matthew 13:22)
In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus explains the meaning of the Parable of the Sower. The seed that fell on rocky ground describes persons who receive God’s Word with joy but cannot endure persecution because of God. These are Christians by convenience. When the going is smooth, they give God His due, but when it becomes tough, they quickly toss God aside. They are like fair-weather friends; they come to eat with you, but when you need their help, they behave as if you are a stranger to them.
- Does this describe my relationship with God? Am I only Christian for good times? Remember that life is in seasons. If I give up on my faith because I cannot endure persecution for God (dry season), I may not be around to enjoy His blessings (wet season).
- On the other hand, the seed that fell among thorns represents persons who desire to serve God but are preoccupied with the love of earthly riches. Is there anything wrong with desiring a “good life” despite being a Christian? Is it a sin to be rich, wealthy and lacking nothing? After all, aren’t there so many things money can do to advance the kingdom of God?
- If you have ever wondered where to draw the line between wealth and God, listen to Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:24-33: “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate and love the other or be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon. Therefore, I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you shall eat or drink, nor about your body, what you shall put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?” In other words, anxiety over your material needs is a sign of thorny soil. Anxiety leads to desperation, and in a state of desperation, you easily give in to the devil’s promptings. The economy is bad, but you don’t have to steal to secure your future.
- Jesus continues: “Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? … Consider the field lilies and how they grow; they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon, in all his glory, was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O men of little faith?” Trust Him to bless your work if God can provide for animals and plants who do not work. Do not bow to the devil for earthly riches.
- In conclusion, do not be fair-weather Christian. Do not stand on the fence. Surrender your cares to God, and trust Him to provide for you. However, God will provide for you not according to your greed but your needs. This means you must learn to be contented with your blessings. Do you feel you have gone far from God in your desire for earthly riches? In today’s first reading, Jeremiah says: “Return, O faithless children, says the Lord, for I am your master.”
- Today, we remember Saints Joachim and Anne, the parents of the Virgin Mary. There are no mentions of them in the Bible or Gospels; what we know comes from Catholic legend and the Gospel of James, an unsanctioned, apocryphal writing from the second century AD. We have no true primary sources that prove they existed, but we can certainly agree that Mary had parents. Likewise, we can agree that Mary had good, faithful parents who raised her with love and devotion to God like everyone else except Jesus Christ. Joachim and Anne serve as role models for parents, and both deserve to be honoured and emulated for their devotion to God and Our Lady Mary, the Mother of God. (Catholic.org).
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, help us to re-order our priorities so that your Word may bear fruit in our lives. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Saint Joachim and Saint Anne, parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Bible Study: Jeremiah 3:14-17, Jeremiah 31:10-13, Matthew 13:18-23).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu