First Reading
Isaiah 55:10-11
1. The rain originates in the heavens, and falls to the earth making it fertile, helping to produce
fruit for our consumption. Accomplishing its mission, it returns to the heavens. In what way is
God’s word reliable in this manner? “So shall my word be, … achieving the end for which I sent it.”
What is the end for which God sent his Son?
2. Rain makes the seed germinate and grow. Apply this to God’s grace. Now apply it to God’s grace in
your own life. Discuss.
Second Reading
Romans 8:18-23
1. “We know that all creation is groaning in labor pains even until now.” Does God continually create us moment by moment?
2. What do you think is the corruption from which creation is trying to free itself? Is there some pain involved in trying to end war, birth a cleaner environment for the planet, and establish new and better kinds of race relations? If God continually creates us moment by moment, will God help with these difficult births?
Gospel
Matthew 13:1-23
1. Jesus mentions “cares of the world and lure of wealth” as rocky ground and thorns that keep the
seed from taking root. What is your “rocky ground”? Are you a busy pathway where the Word is sown
but then is trampled? And can the thorns of worldly anxiety choke the Word when it comes to you?
2. According to Pope Francis, no one, not one person, is excluded from receiving the seed. What
kinds of things might you do to allow such seed to grow?
This Parable of the Sower is somewhat the ‘mother’ of all parables, because it speaks about listening to the Word. It reminds us that the Word of God is a seed which in itself is fruitful and effective; and God scatters it everywhere, paying no mind to waste. Such is the heart of God!
Each one of us is ground on which the seed of the Word falls; no one is excluded! The Word is given to each one of us. We can ask ourselves what type of terrain am I? Do I resemble the path, the rocky ground, the bramble bush? With the grace of God, if we want, we can become good soil, ploughed and carefully cultivated, to help ripen the seed of the Word. It is already present in our heart, but making it fruitful depends on us; it depends on the embrace that we reserve for this seed.
Pope Francis, Angelus, 15 Sun Ord A
July 12, 2020
