To anyone who has, more will be given and he will grow rich; from anyone who has not, even what he has will be taken away. We are to live faith actively, a faith that permeates every aspect of our lives. Jesus continues to discuss those traits we are to necessarily integrate into our lives.
To anyone who has, more will be given and he will grow rich; from anyone who has not, even what he has will be taken away.
We are to live faith actively, a faith that permeates every aspect of our lives.
Jesus continues to discuss those traits we are to necessarily integrate into our lives.
In the parable of the sower and the seed Jesus points out the necessity of receptivity – I like that line – necessity of receptivity.
We start in God’s gifts to us – the sacraments – where we encounter God in the doorway and receive His grace.
The funny thing about that doorway is that we need to open it. As the old picture shows, Jesus knocks, the Holy Spirit calls out, but we are the only ones with the power to open the door.
We have all done that – we are here in worship of our Savior.
Once the door is open Jesus tells us of the necessity of receptivity. God’s word is sown in us with its sacramental effect. We receive the word, and the next step is for us to allow it to take root and then to act on it. This is not talking root in some random person, some theoretical individual. These words are for us.
The first individual Jesus speaks of fails to concentrate at all. They might hear Jesus’ word, but it is only that, they hear without taking the time to listen and comprehend. They cannot be bothered. Like a dusty hard road, they are lifeless.
The next person lacks depth and commitment. The tribulation and persecution they face is not always from the outside. It comes from within. It is their failure to commit to God and His Church. They flit about and the gentlest breeze blows them in another direction.
The third person puts everything else first. My shopping, car, leisure, job, sports, entertainment – you name it, they want it – but not God.
Failure to concentrate on, commit to, and prioritize God brings a fruitless life. For us who have opened the door and live and believe, we yield a great harvest.
