ISAIAH 55: 10-11
PSALM 64: 10-1 R. Lk 8:8
ROMANS 8: 18-23
MATTHEW 13: 1-23
The spoken word coming from any of us can be so powerful.
It can be destructive: We all know how verbal abuse or gossip can cause scars for life and break the human spirit.
In conflicts and wars, governments know that the first battle to win is the propaganda war.
Words though can also have positive effects on people: A word of comfort, of encouragement, of love can build people up.
Coaches can change their players’ attitude and the game with a good talk at the break.
In the course of life we will say many things.
Each time we speak there is a purpose for it and there is also an effect.
So too with God’s word.
God’s word is more than just words; it is the WORD of LIFE.
The Gospel today speaks about the power of God’s Word to bear fruit in our lives……..only if we allow it.
“Like the earth that needs rain, the word of God is nourishment to our lives” is the expression given in the first reading.
It is for that reason that Jesus stresses the seriousness of hearing and understanding the Word of God.
Jesus says, “Listen, anyone who has ears,”
And the first reading reminds us that God’s word must take its course, with or without our cooperation.
In a world filled with noise and so many distractions clamouring for our attention, it is often hard to hear the still, small voice of God.
The Gospel speaks about how we can shut God’s word from our lives.
IT IS, when we feel self-sufficient – “we have no need for God in our lives” for instance.
IT IS when we feel that faith is about only feeling good and forget the faith also calls for perseverance, sacrifice and hardships.
We then become self-centered and not God centered.
IT IS when we have no time for God because we feel that we are too busy or are distracted with other things like sports, TV, parties and whatever.
The question today’s readings pose to us is: “How receptive are we to God’s Word in our hearts?”
How receptive we are can be seen in the way we approach God in prayer and in the Mass.
Being receptive to the Word of God is about taking time to be with God in prayer because we treasure our relationship with God.
It is about taking time and not rushing through our prayers?
It is about making a point to try to be early at Mass to compose ourselves or prepare ourselves to listen and speak to God.
It is about participating in the Mass.
Each time we respond and participate, we are letting God’s Word take root in our heart;
And listening is not just a passive remembering about all that is said.
To listen to the Word of God calls for an active response to what God is saying to us.
In the Mass, God is reaching out to each of us in some way.
It may be to give us a word of hope or comfort, a word to strengthen our faith.
It may be to call us to action, to give witness, to an act of charity.
It may be to bring healing into our lives.
It may be a call to change our ways.
There is something for all of us, if we open our ears and hearts to listen.
And when the Mass ends, it does not end there.
We are invited in the Mass to leave with God’s word in our hearts and let it affect our lives during the week, to let our action be a response to what we have heard.
The Sunday Mass readings and celebration does not just tell the story of God’s plan of salvation for us but also invites us to let it be part of our story, for the WORD of God is LIFE.
It has the power to change us, and through us, the world.