July 26, 2019

Sts. Joachim and Anne

Mt 13: 18-23

“Hear then the parable of the sower. When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what is sown in the heart; this is what was sown on the path. As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet such a person has no root, but endures only for a while, and when trouble or persecution arises on account of the word, that person immediately falls away. 

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. But as for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.”

New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.

Cooperating with the growing process

I recall that when I was young I so wanted to be the person who fits into the final category and to be the person who bears fruit for Christ. My juvenile brain wanted to make the Christian life some sort of competition. I now realize that I am in every category Christ describes as he interprets this parable. It just depends on the day.

The challenge for me is to accept that, whether I am the path, rocky ground, among thorns or rich soil I am still loved infinitely and unconditionally by the Father who created me. I can’t will myself to be rich soil. I need to trust that the sower will continue, unceasingly, to sow while I pray for the grace to be cooperative with the growing process.

—Jerry Skoch is a Spiritual Director and Vice President & Chief Mission Officer at Saint Ignatius High School in Cleveland, OH.

Prayer

Dear Lord,
Give me the patience to wait upon your graces. Quiet my head so that I can listen to you with my heart. Give me the wisdom to discern your will and the freedom to choose your will for me.
Amen.

—Jerry Skoch