DAILY- HOMILY

July 23, 2014
Wednesday 16th Week in Ordinary Time
[St. Bridget of Sweden]

Jer 1: 1, 4-10 / Ps 71: 1-2, 3-4a, 5-6ab, 15 and 17/ Mt 13: 1-9

Reading: Jer 1: 1, 4-10
These are the words of Jeremiah son of Hilkiah, one of the priests at Anathoth in the territory of Benjamin. A word of Yahweh came to me, "Even before I formed you in the womb I have known you; even before you were born I had set you apart, and appointed you a prophet to the nations!" I said, "Ah, Lord Yahweh! I do not know how to speak; I am still young!" But Yahweh replied, "Do not say; 'I am still young', for now you will go whatever be the mission I am entrusting to you, and you will speak of whatever I command you to say. Do not be afraid of them, for I will be with you to protect you - it is Yahweh who speaks!" Then Yahweh stretched out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, "Now I have put my words in your mouth. See! Today I give you authority over nations and over kingdoms to uproot and to pull down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant."

Gospel: Matthew 13: 1-9
That same day Jesus left the house and sat down by the lakeside. As many people gathered around him, he got in a boat. There he sat while the whole crowd stood on the shore, and he spoke to them in parables about many things. Jesus said, "The sower went out to sow and, as he sowed, some seeds fell along the path and the birds came and ate them up. Other seeds fell on rocky ground where there was little soil, and the seeds sprouted quickly because the soil was not deep. But as soon the sun rose the plants were scorched and withered because they had no roots. Again other seeds fell among thistles; and the thistles grew and choked the plants. Still other seeds fell on good soil and produced a crop; some produced a hundredfold, others sixty and others thirty. If you have ears, then hear!"

Reflection:
A seed is intended to be planted and is expected to produce. Small, yet it has a tremendous internal life. If it is tended well, its yield is abundant. Christ compares the Word of God to a seed. When it is welcomed its fruit is the works of Christ because the Word is Christ Himself. Although this seed is powerful, it is also precarious. If neglected it may wither or die. The soil, which refers to us, can welcome or reject the Word of God. Some of us may welcome it but the trials and difficulties of life make us incredulous of God's love, thus doubt swallows the hope and life of this seed. Some may also welcome it but the concerns of life, the search for security, money and comfort stifles the Word of God. This chase becomes our main preoccupation. The real treasure offered to us is stifled and forgotten. The Lord promises a huge harvest to those who welcome his Word and believe in it. Certainly there will be struggles, difficulties and temptation, but the Lord invites us to have our ears open because the Word of God can sustain, strengthen, encourage and enlighten.

Prayer Requests:
We pray ...
... for a deep and profound respect for life, especially for the unborn
... for all the prayer intentions in the MTQ Dailyprayer Diary
... for families who are in need of healing
... for world peace and reconciliation
... for birthday intentions - Badette Gancayco

Finally, we pray for one another, for those who have asked our prayers and for those who need our prayers the most.

Have a good day!

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