Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: July 26, 2024

Date: Friday of the 16th Week in Ordinary Time/ Memorial of St. Joachim & St. Anne

Scripture Text:  MT 13:18-23

Jesus said to his disciples:

“Hear the parable of the sower. The seed 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 seed sown on rocky ground is the one who hears the word and receives it at once with joy. But he has no root and lasts only for a time. When some tribulation 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 thirtyfold.”

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The gospel text for today recounts Jesus’ sharing the meaning of the parable of the sower.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Do I seek to understand the WORD? Do I seek to incorporate the WORD into my life? Do I allow the world’s judgment and worldly desires to drown out the WORD?

Praying:

LORD, You reveal yourself and your desire for us moment to moment, always and everywhere. Your power and your presence, manifestations of your love, surround us, embrace us, illuminate us. May we fully open ourselves, mind, body, heart and soul to your presence and your love that informs our mind and will, conforms us to your loving presence, and transforms us into the ones You created us to be, the ones You died to set free and save, the ones who receive and use your graces and gifts. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.