Scripture Focus for July 16

R. The seed that falls on good ground will yield a fruitful harvest. Lk 8:8

But some seed fell on rich soil, and produced fruit, a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold. Whoever has ears ought to hear. Mt 13:1-23

     Throughout this discourse, Jesus will offer several parables to illustrate for his listeners what he means by the kingdom of heaven. He begins with the parable of the sower, which appears rather straightforward—of course seeds grow best in good soil. Seeds that miss the soil, are sown on rocky ground, or are sown among other plants will not grow. The surprise in the parable is the enormous yield of the seed that is sown on good soil…

     Those who are willing to engage themselves in the effort to understand will be rewarded by the discovery of the message and will bear fruit. To bring home the point, Jesus interprets the parable of the sower to his disciples. The different types of soil in which the seeds are sown are metaphors for the disposition with which each individual hears the teaching about the kingdom of heaven. Some will be easily swayed away from the kingdom of heaven. Some will receive it for a time but will lose it when faced with difficulties. Some will hear the word but will then permit other cares to choke it out. Yet some will receive it well, and the seed will produce abundant fruit.—excerpt from the Sunday Connection by Loyola Press. 

What does the soil of your soul need today?

Challenge—follow the daily Mass to hear the whole story with a phone app or get your daily Mass Readings at http://www.usccb.org! 

In our time, you might hear the phrases of a growth mindset or a fixed mindset. Do you believe that you can change what you think or feel? We often uphold our achievements in academics as markers of growth. I love to learn things. I hope to keep learning and reflecting every day. It enriches our lives, gets me out of my head and creates new synapses or connections in my brain. I’m literally growing! Learning is just one way to keep a growth mindset. A fixed mindset could be beneficial if it is the good ground standards by which you live and love. But if you are ‘set in your ways’ and unwilling to get ‘better,’ your fixed mindset is holding you back. Do you need some encouragement? Hang out with people that inspire you. Be an inspiration. Improve the kingdom around you. Be Christ to someone. Read something new or different that broadens your horizons. Reflect and meditate on Jesus’ words in this parable. It is a lesson in being mindful of what you do and say and think. Keep growing. Take Jesus with you wherever you go. Jesus will surprise you with the enormous yield! With God, all things are possible!

It’s summer here. The corn is high but not ready to pick yet. We wait. We believe there will be abundant fruit of our labors and dreams. Live like you believe.