Weekend Reflections for 7/10/20

The word of God, like a seed, wants to burrow deep within us, and from there bring fruit. As seed, it has its own strength and vigor, but still it must meet fertile and willing earth before it can break open and bring forth life. You and I can provide that earth. Jesus offers this Sunday a planting parable to his listeners who are seated among the rocks and grasses and winding paths which lead to the natural amphitheater bordering the Sea of Galilee, still visible today.

His message is clear. Our task is to clear away the rocks and thistles and crusted earth in our lives which keep God's word from reaching its desired end. What are the common obstacles to God's working in my life? What are my tendencies that point more toward self than toward God? 

Thankfully, Jesus would like to help us clear our earth if we are humble enough to ask for his help. We, for our part, will find it a joy and honor to roll up our sleeves and "labor with him," in the words of Saint Ignatius. This is especially the work of an annual retreat, one that is lived out the other 51 weeks of the year. 

A person "fully alive" experiences that there is no greater joy than to allow God's word to plant itself deeply within, and from there to bear fruit abundantly for loved ones around us. Our words and actions themselves become inspired, and much more effective.

May we respond with a generous "Yes!" to Jesus' offer to work with us to clear the ground of our lives, so that his word can take root, a word meant to nourish effectively the hurting world around us.   

-Fr. Anthony Wieck, SJ