Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“He who has ears, let him hear.”

Gospel Reading: Matthew 13:1-9

That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the sea. And great crowds gathered about him, so that he got into a boat and sat there; and the whole crowd stood on the beach. And he told them many things in parables, saying: "A sower went out to sow and as he sowed, some seeds fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured them. Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they had not much soil, and immediately they sprang up, since they had no depth of soil, but when the sun rose they were scorched; and since they had no root they withered away. Other seeds fell upon thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. Other seeds fell on good soil and brought forth grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. He who has ears, let him hear."

Today’s Gospel reading has a very simple message, “He who has ears, let him hear.” We must be attentive to the Word of God. We must be open to hear what Christ has to say through his teachings and his parables. When we are born, God places a very special seed within each of us. We are given the basic desire and hope for God’s love. Therefore, the question is, “What do you do with that seed.” Is that seed nourished and fertilized and allowed to grow. Are you open and receptive to the word of God? For some, that seed is quickly consumed by the material treasures of this world for ever to be lost to the kingdom of God. These people completely shut out the Word of God and allow other things to control their lives. These seeds bear no fruit at all. For others, the seed has no foundation. You are introduced to the Gospel, but the Gospels do not take hold in our lives. We may hear the message, but it only momentarily impacts our lives. Then there are those who have set their roots in the message of Christ and make themselves fruitful for the kingdom of God. These people listen to the Word of God and make it a fundamental part of their lives. Yet even some of these people, still cannot let go of the things that bind them to this world. They let the weeds and thorns of this world distract them and prevent them from becoming fully enveloped by God. Where is your seed sown? Do you need to clear out some weeds in your life. Take some time to reflect on the message. It may be time to replant your seed in good soil and nurture it so it can become a productive seed producing many fruits for our Father in heaven.

A Simple Prayer

Lord Jesus, you are the Master Gardener.

May my seed be planted in your soil.

May it grow vigorously and be fruitful.

Help me clear the weed and thorns from my life.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon