Thursday, July 22, 2004

1:27 am

The Catholic Calendar for Friday, July 23, 2004
Friday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time
St. Bridget of Sweden, religious

Scripture from Friday's Liturgy of the Word:
Jeremiah 3:14-17
Jeremiah 31:10-13
Matthew 13:18-23

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

In the first reading, Jeremiah is exhorting the Israelites to fidelity, even though they are in captivity. And if God has punished them for their sins, it is from care for them. God will eventually send them new shepherds who will nourish them with richer food. And even though their sacred Ark of the Covenant has been removed from their midst, there will come a day when they will no longer yearn for or depend upon the Ark, but will have a new Tabernacle (a reference surely, to the Christ, and the Food which He will provide).

In the Gospel, Jesus warns of the difficulties in providing growth for the seed of His Word. At the same time, we are the seed-bearers, and must be on guard for all those distractions and obstacles which prevent the seed from taking root in our hearts and souls. Nevertheless, His grace is sufficient for us.

Question: Do I yearn for the Bread of Life as my true food? And do I nourish the seed of God's Word, in order that it may grow? What soil do I provide? How good a gardener will I be today?

- Msgr. Paul E. Whitmore
(smartins at twcny dot rr dot com)
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