Homily for Wednesday 30th January 2019
_“And these in like manner are the ones sown upon rocky ground, who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with joy; and they have no root in themselves, but endure for a while; then, when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately they fall away.” *(Mark 4:16-17)*_
In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus gave us the parable of the sower in which he explained the different types of persons who receive the word and their reactions to it. Jesus also tells us the reason he preferred to speak in parables was that there are some persons who will never understand or accept the truth regardless of how many times you say it.
“He who has ears, let him hear.” This means there are some persons who do not have ears (cannot learn). These are the rather unfortunate ones “who see but do not perceive, hear but do not understand.” If you have ever been a teacher, you must have felt the way Jesus felt before reaching this conclusion.
Some students are so unteachable; it doesn’t matter how many times you repeat yourself or how many analogies you use, they will still refuse to get the point. Meanwhile, there are some students that will not only grasp immediately but will even teach their fellow students better than the teacher.
From this parable, we learn one fact: people are different! Never expect everybody to react the same way or behave the same way. In other words, everybody is not like you. While it may seem effortless for you, some people will have to struggle even to accomplish what you take for granted.
This calls for sympathy in our judgement of others. Rather than condemn people, try to understand why they act that way. Instead of writing off any student, a good teacher will change his method until he is able to meet the student at his level. Don’t be too quick to write anyone off, who knows, he or she may just be a seed that fell on a road path, or on rocky ground or perhaps among thorns.
Another important lesson we learn from this parable is that our love for riches constitutes thorns capable of chocking our spiritual growth. As Jesus would warn: “you cannot serve both God and mammon.” Do you aspire for Sainthood or to be in the cover of Forbes Magazine? Are you working hard to be one of the richest persons in this country or to be one of those who moral legacy would always be mentioned as an example for the next generation?
Finally, my heart really goes out to those seeds that fell on rocky ground. These are really good Christians who are so excited about the things of God but lack roots in them. They cannot withstand trial because they are sweet-sweet-milk-and-sugar Christians. For them, the fact that they serve God at all means that they should never experience even a single headache or tough time. These are Christians who are quick to change church or even stop church altogether once they face any setback in life. If God gives them what they want, fine but if not, they “bounce.”
Could this be where you belong? Can your faith remain steadfast in the face of adversity? How long can you last if prayers are not answered? Somehow, all of us at one point or the other would be subjected to rocky situations in our lives. Like the Israelites, we would at some point find ourselves walking through the desert with no idea of the beautiful Promised Land ahead. Pray always for the gift of patience. Don’t give up. Just keep pushing.
Let us Pray: Lord Jesus, I may not have been planted on the right soil but I beg you to meet me where I am so that I may bear fruits. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Wednesday of the 3rd Week in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Hebrews 10:11-18, Psalm 110 and Mark 4:1-20).
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