Homily (Reflection) for Friday of the
Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time (I) (28th July, 2017) on the Gospel
Ex 20:1-17;
Ps 18:8-11. (R. Jn 6:68);
Matt 13:18-23.
Topic: Prepare the ground.
Today’s gospel is the explanation of the parable of the sower
we read two days ago. The seed on the path is one who hears the word of God and
does not understand it, the evil one takes it away. When one receives the word
with joy but without root, he/she easily falls away when trouble or persecution
arises on account of the word. This is the seed on the rocky ground. The seed
among thorns is the one who hears the word but the earthly worries and lure of
wealth choke the word. And one who hears the word and understands it is the
seed on good soil.
The emphasis is on understanding the word and not on hearing.
Borrowing the words of Saint Paul, people have heard the word of God, cf. Rom 10:18. However, to what extent it
has been understood is a subject of another discussion. Those Christ called blessed
are not the ones who only hear the word of God but those who hear it and do (keep)
it, cf. Lk 8:21. 11:28.
Everyone has roles to play in hearing and understanding the
word of God. They include listening and asking pertinent questions, cf. Deut 32:7; Matt 10:14; Mk 9:7; Lk 9:35.
The unfolding of God’s words gives light; it imparts understanding to the
simple, cf. Ps 119:130. Everyone who
wants life must therefore humbly turn to God. He has the words of eternal life,
cf. Jn 6:68. It is the LORD who gives
wisdom, cf. Prov 2:6. And “Happy is
the man or woman who finds wisdom, and the man who gets understanding” (Prov 3:13). Every person can make his/her
soil better for the word of God.
Bible Reading: Eph 6:10-17.
Thought for today: People die for want of knowledge, cf. Hos 4:6.
Let us pray: Lord, give us your Spirit, the
spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit
of knowledge and the fear of the LORD – Amen (cf. Is 11:2).
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