Wednesday of the Third Week of Ordinary Time

Saint Francis de Sales, Doctor of the Church (1557-1622)

Readings of the day: RB 61, Cherishing Silence in the Monastery

Mass: 2 Samuel 7:4-17; Resp. Psalm 89; Mark 4:1-20

 

Vincent Van Gogh, The Sower

Whoever has ears ought to hear.

As Jesus explains today’s parable to the Twelve, I recall Pope Francis’ invitation in Apostolic Exhoration Evangelii Gaudium, 3:

I invite all Christians everywhere, at this very moment, to a renewed personal encounter with Jesus Christ, or at least an openness to letting him encounter them;

I ask all of you to do this unfailingly each day.

With that invitation, let us consider the WORD and our response to it:

CHRIST SOWS THE WORD.

Person A: Hears the Word, then has a better idea and listens to a more attractive voice in her head, suggesting other ways of going about things. In one ear and out the other.

Person B: Hears the Word and is overwhelmed with the Good News; full of joy and fervor. The day brings a difficult encounter with another, he wavers with going the way of Jesus, and falls back into unhealthy patterns of behavior. This person prefers going from one thing to another; sitting on the fence.

Person C: Hears the Word and becomes anxious. What about the things I like to do, places I like to travel, my friends, and craving for fame and glory? The Good News is choked by personal whims and appetites.

Person D: Hears the Word. With open heart and mind, embraces the Good News, welcoming a renewed personal encounter with Jesus, the Word made Flesh who dwells among us. Pope Francis also writes: ‘Those who accept [Jesus’] offer of salvation are set free from sin, sorrow, inner emptiness and loneliness. With Christ joy is constantly born anew’ (EG, 1).

HOW WILL WE RESPOND TO THE WORD TODAY?

The spirit, which relies on faith, grows in courage when it is hemmed in by difficulties, for it knows well that God loves, supports, and helps those who are weak and needy,

provided they fix their hope in him.

                                  (St Francis de Sales)