Saturday, 23rd September 2023. Read 1 Timothy 6:13-16, Ps. 100, Luke 8:4-15
“And some fell into good soil and grew, and yielded a hundredfold.” (Luke 8:8)
In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus gives us a parable of a sower who went out to sow seeds on different kinds of soils. It didn’t seem as if the sower in the parable did any form of clearing, digging or tilling before he began to sow. He allowed the seeds to fall from his hands freely. This parable reveals the carefree attitude that God has towards us. He does not have favourites; He allows the seed of His Word to fall freely in different hearts.
Some people receive God’s words with so much enthusiasm that they become so emotional about the word of God, but the moment they step out of the church, they never practice what the Word of God says. It is like the birds come and steal the Word.
Some people find it difficult to understand or believe God’s words. Their hearts are made of stone. They have no roots; they are like seeds falling on a rock.
Again, some people listen to God’s words sincerely, intending to practice them, but find themselves at a crossroads given their deep-seated love for material prosperity. These are seeds that fall among thorns.
Finally, some hear God’s words and allow them to take deep roots. They apply them and set an example in their life, thereby winning converts to the Christian faith in different proportions (thirty, sixty or hundredfold).
We all experience various soils at different times in our lives. Sometimes, we are like the seeds on the road path. Sometimes, we hear God’s Word but respond with a stony heart. Sometimes, we let money (or other material pleasure) override our love for God.
Let us ask ourselves: “Where I am right now?” That is, which type of soil defines my current spirituality? Once we answer this question, we will know what to do. We all can produce great fruits for God’s kingdom. Think of Sts. Paul, Matthew, Peter, Mary Magdalene, etc. If they are saints today, you, too, can be a saint.
Today, we come towards the end of our reading of Paul’s first letter to Timothy. Paul gives praise and glory to Our Lord Jesus Christ. It is good to praise God with our lips and, more importantly, with our very lives. Live so that when people remember your name, they are moved to praise God.
This is how Saint Padre Pio lived. Everything about this great man sings the praises of God: the miracles he worked, the souls he touched and the hearts he won for God. When we reflect on Padre Pio, we realise that God is not merely a figment of imagination. God is real, and He is still with us today.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, use me to win souls for your glory. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Saint Pius of Pietrelcina (Padre Pio). Bible Study: 1 Timothy 6:13-16, Ps. 100, Luke 8:4-15).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu
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