Wednesday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time
Hearing is a sense most of us take for granted. As we get older some of us realize that the music or the power tools we have used over the years has begun to take a toll on this ability. Fortunately, technology provides some aids to help us recover this sense. Yet, while hearing is important, it is our response to what we hear that more significant.
What we hear can transform our hearts and minds. A steady diet of sarcastic words and negative thinking will likely move us toward hardening our hearts and closing our minds. On the contrary a heart and mind that is nourished with uplifting words and positive thought will likely move us toward compassion and peace. Consider the words to which we give our attention, how are they transforming us
In today’s gospel Jesus tells a parable that challenges us all to contemplate not only the seed, the message, but the soil as well. Jesus starts by saying, “Hear this!” It is often tough enough to listen to our friend and families when they speak, let alone to hear God calling us to grow.
In the parable, the sower is the true high priest Jesus, whose sacrifice has once and for all atoned for our sins. The seed is the Word that is still being sown in the soil of our lives. How open are we to the power of God’s transforming Word? This Word has the power to change us and help us integrate God’s love and mercy into the depths of our being. For that to happen we must willing to listen, understand and fully accept the gospel message.
Lord, help us to be more open today to the power of your lifesaving Word. Then by our acceptance, You will use our very beings as instruments to bear great fruit in Your holy name. Amen.
-Michael Montgomery