First Reading: Isaiah 55:10-11
Psalm: Ps 64:10-14. “The seed that falls on good ground will yield a fruitful harvest.”
Second Reading: Romans 8:18-23
Gospel: Matthew 13:1-23
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Please listen to my audio recordings of the readings, prayers and reflections for the Fifteenth Sunday, Ordinary Time. Year A - Sunday, July 16, 2017 by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-15th-ordinary-a
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(https://www.vangogh.net/images/paintings/sower-at-sunset.jpg)
The wonderful image of the sower and the seed that falls on all sorts of different environments is a truly excellent parable. It reminds us that just as a seed has within it everything needed to produce a viable plant, it will produce nothing unless it is properly watered and nourished and finds the right soil or medium to take hold. It is similar to the idea of a delicious meal which contains all the nutrition needed to help a person stay healthy - But the meal is useless unless it is eaten. It is also like a light bulb that has the potential to light up a room but only if it is fitted into the socket and the switch turned on!
Our Lord tells us that the seed represents the WORD of GOD… and we could also say that the seed also represents FAITH in Jesus (and faith in WHO he is, in what he teaches and (just as importantly) how he lived….. AND……., faith in the gospel.
This “seed” could also represent the many opportunities that we all have been given to help build up the Kingdom of God.
We cannot underestimate how important the response and the environment with which the Word of God is received by us in helping God's values to flourish everywhere. God wants and needs our cooperation and our working with him in helping God's Kingdom Come.
True, like the first reading, God is absolutely determined that the Word that comes from his mouth will NOT return empty and will achieve what God wants. However, we humans can cooperate with what God is doing and (sadly) we are capable of resisting and even trying to block what God is doing. God is determined to get around our resistance and to achieve his plans, but we should not take this lightly -- The non-cooperation of people, or the resistance of people could seriously slow down the progress of God's vision for the world. God may have to take alternate steps or 'go the long way around' in achieving God's goals, due to human resistance or lack of openness.
Just as a seed needs good soil, water, shelter, nourishment and protection, so too our faith, our knowledge, our life needs to continue to be planted and lovingly nurtured in an environment that will foster continued growth and learning.
There are many challenges in life too, we must be careful that the precious seed of faith is planted; nurtured and attended-to daily, or else it will not grow. Other things, other priorities and values might “crowd-out” the growth of faith. Setbacks and hardships have the potential to stifle what we have. We need to actively protect, promote and encourage the good treasure we have received so that it will indeed bear much fruit.
We believe that the sacraments of the Church are concrete guarantees and tangible experiences of an inner reality. So, when a priest says the words of forgiveness in the sacrament of penance, (in the name of the church and in the name of Jesus), we believe that this effectively conveys the sacrament of God’s forgiveness and healing. And when the church baptizes a person, we believe that the “God-given gift of FAITH is very much really and truly passed on in this action of pouring the water, professing Trinitarian faith and conducting the prayers.
And if a person is baptized, faith is definitely given, (100% guaranteed)….but just like this gospel reminds us today.., if one has baptism and then hardly does anything to nurture, deepen or nourish that faith, then that real and effective “seed of faith” (which is surely there), would be rather like a seed in 'un-watered, un-tended and unplowed, hardened ground,' it can hardly be expected to bear much or any fruit.
Mind you, God can achieve amazing results of grace and love in what seems to be the most inhospitable situations, but we never take this for granted.. and strive to give God’s word the most nurturing environment possible… with prayer, reflection and good works.
Have you ever seen a rather healthy looking plant springing up from a roof gutter of a house? It shouldn't be there and how has it gotten what it needs to grow? We don't quite know; however, life finds a way! But again, we do not underestimate the power of working in every way we can to give the seed of God's word the very best environment and every opportunity to produce the greatest harvest.
Interestingly Jesus even realized that the results in his kingdom would be at times patchy, because notice he says that the good seed produces One-hundred, sixty, thirty. Notice, that is actually a declining sequence of numbers. So we have to be prepared for all sorts of results in the sowing of God’s effective word. And, although God’s word never returns without bearing fruit, it still remains very much our task to ensure that the word is given the nourishment and encouragement it needs to bear the most fruit.
So, in baptism, and the other sacraments. They are certainly effective, but they cannot be disconnected from the concepts of conversion of heart,// of the practice of the faith,// of personal engagement,// daily prayer, participation in the sacraments regularly, regular spiritual reading and faith-study and reflection, and of course practical, loving and compassionate action in our daily lives and priorities. The forgiveness and healing given in the sacrament of Reconciliation (Penance) are quite real, but the sacrament bears most fruit when watered by the moving tears of repentance and nourished by a change of heart, attitude and behaviour.
Our Lord frequently begged his disciples… pray and fast often .. so that you will not come into the time of trial… he appeared also to be saying.. pray and prepare so that God will give you strength during times of trial, to avoid the cares of this world crowding in around us,…..
And if a person is baptized, faith is definitely given, (100% guaranteed)….but just like this gospel reminds us today.., if one has baptism and then hardly does anything to nurture, deepen or nourish that faith, then that real and effective “seed of faith” (which is surely there), would be rather like a seed in 'un-watered, un-tended and unplowed, hardened ground,' it can hardly be expected to bear much or any fruit.
Mind you, God can achieve amazing results of grace and love in what seems to be the most inhospitable situations, but we never take this for granted.. and strive to give God’s word the most nurturing environment possible… with prayer, reflection and good works.
Have you ever seen a rather healthy looking plant springing up from a roof gutter of a house? It shouldn't be there and how has it gotten what it needs to grow? We don't quite know; however, life finds a way! But again, we do not underestimate the power of working in every way we can to give the seed of God's word the very best environment and every opportunity to produce the greatest harvest.
Interestingly Jesus even realized that the results in his kingdom would be at times patchy, because notice he says that the good seed produces One-hundred, sixty, thirty. Notice, that is actually a declining sequence of numbers. So we have to be prepared for all sorts of results in the sowing of God’s effective word. And, although God’s word never returns without bearing fruit, it still remains very much our task to ensure that the word is given the nourishment and encouragement it needs to bear the most fruit.
So, in baptism, and the other sacraments. They are certainly effective, but they cannot be disconnected from the concepts of conversion of heart,// of the practice of the faith,// of personal engagement,// daily prayer, participation in the sacraments regularly, regular spiritual reading and faith-study and reflection, and of course practical, loving and compassionate action in our daily lives and priorities. The forgiveness and healing given in the sacrament of Reconciliation (Penance) are quite real, but the sacrament bears most fruit when watered by the moving tears of repentance and nourished by a change of heart, attitude and behaviour.
Our Lord frequently begged his disciples… pray and fast often .. so that you will not come into the time of trial… he appeared also to be saying.. pray and prepare so that God will give you strength during times of trial, to avoid the cares of this world crowding in around us,…..
Our Lord teaches us that we not only ought to pray, reflect and prepare for the possibility of hard times, (and difficult environments), but we must expect them, and use every spiritual resource God gives us to nurture and strengthen the graces and gifts from God, - lest the wonderful seed of faith and the fruits of the Kingdom it produces might be very poor. …
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References:
Fr Paul W. Kelly
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The archive of homilies and reflections is at: http://homilycatholic.blogspot.com.au
To contact Fr. Paul, please email: paulwkelly68@gmail.com
You are welcome to subscribe to Fr Paul’s homily mailout by sending an email at this address:
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Fifteenth Sunday, Ordinary Time. Year A
The Lord be with you.
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Brothers and sisters, let us acknowledge our sins,
and so prepare ourselves to celebrate the sacred mysteries.
Lord Jesus, you are mighty God and Prince of peace. Lord have mercy// You are Son of God and the Son of Mary. Christ have mercy// You are Word made flesh, the splendour of the Father. Lord have mercy.
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Memorial Acclamation
When we eat this Bread and drink this Cup, we proclaim your Death, O Lord, until you come again.
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Preparation of the Gifts
Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation, for through your goodness we have received the bread we offer you: fruit of the earth and work of human hands, it will become for us the bread of life.
Blessed be God for ever.
Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation, for through your goodness we have received the wine we offer you: fruit of the vine and work of human hands, it will become our spiritual drink.
Blessed be God for ever.
Pray, brothers and sisters, that my sacrifice and yours may be acceptable to God,
the almighty Father.
May the Lord accept the sacrifice at your hands, for the praise and glory of his name, for our good and the good of all his holy Church.
Sundays Ordinary V p.31
Eucharistic Prayer II p.56
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Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your life.
{below is a longer version of this homily, an earlier draft with longer reflection:
The wonderful image of the sower and the seed that falls on all sorts of different environments is a truly excellent parable. It reminds us that just as a seed has within it everything needed to produce a viable plant, it will produce nothing unless it is properly watered and nourished and finds the right soil or medium to take hold. It is similar to the idea of a delicious meal which contains all the nutrition needed to help a person stay healthy - But the meal is useless unless it is eaten. It is also like a light bulb that has the potential to light up a room but only if it is fitted into the socket and the switch turned on!
Our Lord tells us that the seed represents the WORD of GOD… and we could also say that the seed also represents FAITH in Jesus (and faith in WHO he is, in what he teaches and (just as importantly) how he lived….. AND……., faith in the gospel.
This “seed” could also represent the many opportunities that we all have been given to help build up the Kingdom of God.
We cannot underestimate how important the response and the environment with which the Word of God is received by us in helping God's values to flourish everywhere. God wants and needs our cooperation and our working with him in helping God's Kingdom Come.
True, like the first reading, God is absolutely determined that the Word that comes from his mouth will NOT return empty and will achieve what God wants. However, we humans can cooperate with what God is doing and we can also resist and block what God is doing. God is determined to get around our resistance and achieve his plans, but we should not take this for granted -- The non-cooperation of people or the resistance of people could seriously slow down the progress of God's vision for the world. God may have to take alternate steps of 'go the long way around' in achieving God's goals, due to human resistance or lack of openness.
Just as a seed needs good soil, water, shelter, nourishment and protection, so too our faith, our knowledge, our life needs to continue to be planted and lovingly nurtured in an environment that will foster continued growth and learning.
There are many challenges in life too, we must be careful that the precious seed of faith is planted; nurtured and attended-to daily, or else it will not grow. Other things, other priorities and values might “crowd-out” the growth of faith. Setbacks and hardships have the potential to stifle what we have. We need to actively protect, promote and encourage the good treasure we have received so that it will indeed bear much fruit.
We believe that the sacraments are concrete guarantees and tangible experiences of an inner reality. So, when a priest says the words of forgiveness in the sacrament of penance, (in the name of the church and in the name of Jesus), we believe that this effectively conveys the sacrament of God’s forgiveness and healing. And when the church baptises a person, we believe that the “God-given gift of FAITH is very much really and truly passed on in this action of pouring the water.
And if a person is baptized, faith is definitely given, (100% guaranteed)….but just like this gospel reminds us today.., if one has baptism and then does not much to nurture, deepen and nourish that faith, then that real and effective “seed of faith” is still there, (for sure), but it is like a seed in un-watered, un-tended and un-plowed, hardened ground, it can hardly be expected to bear much or any fruit. Mind you, God can achieve amazing results of grace and love in what seems to be the aridest of situations, but never take this for granted.. and strive to give God’s word the most nurturing environment possible… with prayer, reflection and good works. Have you ever seen a rather healthy looking plant springing up from a roof gutter of a house? It shouldn't be there and how has it gotten what it needs to grow? We don't quite know but life finds a way. But again, we do not underestimate the power of working in every way we can to give the seed of God's word the very best environment and every opportunity to produce the greatest harvest.
Interestingly Jesus even realised that the results in his kingdom would be at times patchy, because notice he says that the good seed produces 100, sixty, thirty. Notice, that is actually a declining sequence of numbers. So we have to be prepared for all sorts of results in the sowing of God’s effective word. And, although God’s word never returns without bearing fruit, it still remains very much our task to ensure that the word is given the nourishment and encouragement it needs to bear the most fruit.
So, in baptism, and the other sacraments. They are certainly effective, but they cannot be disconnected from the concepts of conversion of heart, of the practice of the faith, of personal engagement, …… daily prayer, participation in the sacraments regularly, regular spiritual reading and faith-study and reflection, and of course practical, loving and compassionate action in our daily lives and priorities.
The forgiveness and healing given in the sacrament of Reconciliation (Penance) is quite real, but it bears fruit when watered by the moving tears of repentance and nourished by a change of heart, attitude and behaviour.
In the Baptism ceremony, the Priest says -
‘You have asked to have your child Baptised. In doing so you are accepting the responsibility of training them in the practice of the faith.’
Elsewhere, at the Blessing, in the Rite of Baptism- -
‘The parents will be the first teachers
of their child in the ways of faith. May they also be the best of teachers, bearing witness to the faith by what they say and do, in Christ Jesus our Lord.’
The Church teaches that an important part of being a Catholic is understanding that we belong to a community. We are not just individuals. Being Catholic means agreeing to be formed by the message of the Gospel, and regularly listening to how the universal, Catholic, Church understands its meaning for here and now.
By Baptism a child has both a right and a duty to be given the fullness of their Catholic Teaching. This includes regular contact with the Catholic faith community at Sunday Mass.
When a child is Baptised and then rarely is given an opportunity to go to Mass, surely the child is being given something less than the “Fullness of,”(the breadth and depth), of the “practice of their faith.”
From time to time I am sure we have all heard someone say….. “I am going to let my child choose whether or not to go to church when they are old enough to decide for themselves.”
Parents play an important role in imparting values and habits for their child’s life. Long before a child realises the value of going to school or even healthy practices like “brushing their teeth,” their parents have INSISTED, point-blank, that these things will be done. No amount of arguing-back will stop a parent insisting that things that are good for the child must be done, // even when the child does not (yet) fully appreciate WHY it is so important.// Children depend on their parents’ wisdom to insist on what is good for them. Children’s religious knowledge and faith formation are no different. So, I say, you wouldn’t wait till your child is an adult to let them choose whether they want to brush their teeth every day, or else by the time they do choose they may not have a tooth left in their head. So, why let someone wait until too late to choose experience and practice their faith? …….. it is completely bamboozling….
It is just like a seed expected to water itself. By the time a child is old enough to ‘decide for themselves’ what they want, they will not have experienced growing up as a regular member of a faith community. If the church has not been part of their life up to this point what are they freely choosing to accept or reject? How could that really be a free choice? Do they really know what they are ‘not choosing’ since one can hardly say they were given the fullness of ritual, community and faith formation? And if the Catholic parents do not go to Mass, the child will probably get the message that this is not a life value for them either.
Jesus in the gospel says to us that we must nurture the seed that we have been given. And, like this nurturing, there are risks, and there are challenges. It does mean moving well and truly out of our comfort zone.
God has sown the seed in the hearts of each of us, and now we must nurture and feed and water and nourish that seed of faith and love daily…. And even more so when we sometimes find the environment around us rocky, weedy, scorching or crowded… then staying constantly connected to the water of life, will sustain us come what may.}
