Scripture for Mass
Isaiah 55:10-11
Psalm 65(64):10a-d. 10e-11. 12-13. 14. Response: Luke 8:8
Romans 8:18-23
Matthew 13:1-23
Tending a garden is both demanding and delightful. On the one hand, sowing and nurturing plants requires diligence and vigilance – preparing the soil, controlling pests, watering and weeding. On the other hand, watching plants grow and mature brings great satisfaction and joy. Besides, there are the challenges and rewards of collaborating closely with Mother Nature – matching each variety of plant with a particular type of soil, level of moisture, and variation in sunlight so that it can flourish.
Since God’s word is like a seed planted in the garden of our heart, many of the same sensitivities and skills are also helpful on our journey towards maturity in the Christian faith. We need to attend not only to the soil within our hearts, but also to the climate in the surrounding society. Sometimes, this requires us to dig diligently, to remove stones, or to add compost, in order to allow God’s message to take root and thrive within us. At other times, it requires us to protect the tender shoots of our faith from harsh winds, or to expose them to more sunlight so that they can flourish.
Like any gardening project, tending to God’s word as it matures in our hearts and lives is a collaborative project, involving God, the world, and me. Yes, it requires diligence and vigilance, but if we allow this precious seed to take root, grow and come to maturity, it will not only bring us fulfilment and delight, but will also yield a rich harvest for many others.
Creator God, we thank and praise you for the gift of Mother Earth which shows forth your greatness and goodness.
We thank you also for the gift of Christ Jesus, your Word, through whom you made all things and whom you sent as the Master Gardener to tend and till your world.
May the Holy Spirit nurture continuously the seeds of faith, hope and love within our hearts.
May Christ’s message take root and grow to maturity, causing our relationships and our endeavours to blossom with the fragrance of your love and mercy for your world.
We ask this through Christ, our Mentor and Friend.
Amen.
Fr. Tim Mulroy
