was sown in his heart. This is the seed that fell along the footpath. The seed that fell on rocky
ground stands for the one who hears the word and accepts it at once with joy. But such a
person has no roots, and endures only for a while. No sooner is he harassed or persecuted
because of the word, than he gives up. The seed that fell among the thistles is the one who
hears the word, but then the worries of this life and the love of money choke the word, and it
does not bear fruit. As for the seed that fell on good soil, it is the one who hears the word and
understands it; this bears fruit and produces a hundred, or sixty, or thirty times more.”
Reflect
Ifind it a wonderful thing that, in the Church’s Lectionary, the giving of the Ten Commandments
and the explanation of the Parable of the Sower are read on the same day. The point of the
Parable of the Sower is that we should let the Word of God bear fruit in our lives. The Ten
Commandments show us how to eliminate all of the thorns, stones, and hungry birds that
may keep us from living God’s Word and his will.
The first three commandments address our relationship with God. If we make God our priority,
growing in closeness to him as we spend time worshipping him, we will prepare the field of our
heart to bear abundant fruit. The final seven commandments address our relationship with other
people and with things. If we keep these commandments, we will show love and respect for our
brothers and sisters and our possessions will have their proper place in our lives. Arguments
and unhealthy attachments, envy and anger will prevent the Word of God from taking root in
our hearts.
© Copyright Bible Diary 2023