From the Priest

Sowing the Seeds of Faith

         Peace! In today's Gospel (Mt. 13:1-23), Jesus stresses upon us the significance of the sowing of the seeds of faith - the Word of God - in a variety of circumstances.

     Jesus uses the parable of the sower to impart truths about the kingdom of God. By His words and deeds. He indiscriminately four such instances:

• "The seeds sown on the path is the one who hears the Word of the Kingdom without understanding it, and the evil one comes and steals away what was sown in his heart"
• "The seeds sown on rocky ground is the one who hears the Word of God and receives it at once with joy. But he has no root and lasts only for a time. When some tribulations or persecution comes because of the word, he immediately falls away"
• "The seed sown among thorns is the one who hears the Word, but then worldly anxiety and the lure of riches choke the Word and it bears no fruit"
• "But the seed sown on rich soil is the one who hears the Word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields a hundred or sixty or thirthyfold." (Mt. 13:19-23)

     Jesus assures us of the abundant harvest at the end in order to emphasize His hopeful expectation. But He also forewarns against failure when we do not bother to let the Gospel take root in our hearts; when we enthusiastically receive it the first time but lose it when we encounter difficulties and opposition; and when we allow ourselves to be distracted by the world and so neglect the Word.

     How then are we to receive the Word of God so that it may bear fruit in our hearts? Indeed, Jesus Himself personifies the Word of God, in the Word made Flesh. Thus, it is our bounden duty to value the word, above all; to meditate and think upon it to cherish it with love; to nourish it; Live it and Proclaim it to all the world. Let us be the good soil and carry the Word, Jesus, in our hearts at all times

Rev. Fr. Rufino P. Yabut

Parish Priest

SHJ-MBS Parish Church