Friday, July 24, 2020 - 16th week of Ordinary Time - Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Matthew 13, 18-23 - Blessed are those who have heard the word in a good and generous heart, who hold it and bear fruit through their perseverance.

For three days in a row, we were told the parable of the sower that Jesus used to transmit his teachings. The teachings that He wants to transmit concern the proclamation of the Word of God and the Kingdom of God. The Word of God is like a seed that can bear fruit according to the heart of the one who receives it, or not at all, for it simply passes through the ears of those who hear it but does not bring about any change in their lives, that is, does not reach into their hearts. Listening to the same Word, there are those who feel joy; there are those who say that listening to the Word of God and hearing the explanations through the sermons has touched their heart. There are those who are discouraged and depressed saying they didn't understand the Word of God, let alone the sermon. When we realize that we have experienced joy and are ready to change our lives as a result of listening to the Word of God, then His Word has borne fruit in us.

The heart is therefore the place where God's word is sown. The heart can be the roadside where the seed is pecked by birds, it disappears as soon as it is sown; our hearts can be the rocky, thin earth, unable to take root the Word withers; our hearts are the thorny ground where the Word of God cannot grow and prosper. But our hearts can be the fertile ground where the Word of God flourishes. Before reading the Gospel, the priest simply says in his heart, "Cleanse my heart and sanctify my mouth, O Almighty God, that I may be worthy to preach Your Gospel." So the Gospel is a living word because Jesus who speaks in the Gospel lives forever. The word of God bears fruit, the Kingdom of God bears fruit. That's why there is so much hope in us. Because we work with Jesus to extend the Kingdom of God, first in ourselves, then around us, and finally in the Church. Whatever we do, if it is not accompanied by prayer, that is, in communion with God, it is futile; it will not take root in us and will have no lasting effect on our lives. Prayer and the proclamation of the Gospel are therefore inseparable. Amen!