Sunday July 13, 2014
Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 103 (NAB Translation)
(Jerusalem Bible Translation)
Reading 1
Isaiah 55:10-11
In this week’s first reading from Isaiah, it’s important to remember where we are in this story. The Hebrews were at a point of transition to return to their land of Judah, and it seemed as if there was no hope or energy left in the people. The prophet Isaiah uses words of hope and promise for a people so thirsty for the love of their God.
Sometimes it seems like God has left us alone, but this reading reminds us that the rain that falls someday gives life to the grains that makes the bread that feeds us. God’s will is greater than ours and we can trust He only wants what is going to give us life.
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 65:10, 11, 12-13, 14
R/ (Lk 8:8) The seed that falls on good ground will yield a fruitful harvest.
Reading 2
Romans 8:18-23
The second reading from St Paul’s letter to the Romans also picks up this theme of endurance through the trials. We are not isolated because we are all a part of a large whole. Saint Paul speaks of anticipation from all of creation for the final restoration because we are all subject to same ending. At the end, we will finally be saved from all “slavery and corruption,” and this should fill us with hope. We should be willing to endure anything for this short while in this life because we know that eternity with our Lord outweighs everything else in this life.
Gospel
Matthew 13:1-23
This week’s Gospel from Saint Matthew is a classic story about the parable of the sower. This week there is an option between two lengths of the Gospel. One only has the parable and the other also includes the explanation as to why Jesus likes to speak in parables to people. Jesus differentiates between the ways ways our hearts can be receptive to His word and holy will. He can offer the life-giving word of eternal life, but if we don’t let it take root, the weeds or birds can come and prevent it from growing. Our hearts and environment need to been prepared in order that our hearts may be fertile ground.
Question for Further Reflection
What kind of soil are you? What kind of soil would you like to be? How can you make this change?
Theme song
Ignite – Soundwave soundwave.cc
Background Music This Week
