January 24, 2024 Memorial of Saint Francis de Sales, Bishop and Doctor of the Church
Today’s readings are interesting. In 2 Samuel, God tells Nathan to tell David things. God asks why David hasn’t built a house for God yet? I know that it is Solomon, David’s son, who will build the temple and God does tell that to Nathan and that God will not abandon Solomon like he did Saul. I enjoy the stories of Solomon. Very wise, the Bible says. In the gospel, Jesus tells a parable and then explains it to the apostles. It’s the sower and the seed parable. Four situations: on the path, rocky ground, among thorns, and rich soil. Jesus explains that it is how the Word of God is received.
The path: the Word is heard and then Satan steals it away
Rocky ground: the Word is heard and received with joy, but is quickly faded since there are no roots
Among thorns: worldly anxiety, the lure of riches, and the craving for other things intrude and choke the word, and it bears no fruit
Rich soil: Those that hear the Word, accept it, and produce fruit one hundred fold
I pray that I am sown on rich soil and that I do the will of the Father. I have been all of the other seeds at different stages of my life. Let’s bear fruit!