Daily Gospel Reflection – Friday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Daily Gospel Reflection – Friday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Daily Gospel Reflection – Friday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time 

July 23, 2021 

Friday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time 

Gospel: Mt 13:18-23 

Jesus said to his disciples: “Hear the parable of the sower. The seed sown on the path is the one who hears the word of the Kingdom without understanding it, and the Evil One comes and steals away what was sown in his heart. The seed sown on rocky ground is the one who hears the word and receives it at once with joy. But he has no root and lasts only for a time. When some tribulation or persecution comes because of the word, he immediately falls away. The seed sown among thorns is the one who hears the word, but then worldly anxiety and the lure of riches choke the word and it bears no fruit. But the seed sown on rich soil is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold.” 

Source: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops 

Bishop Robert Barron 

Friends, in today’s Gospel Jesus explains the parable of the sower. Let’s study each part of his explanation. 

The seed sown on the path is “the one who hears the word without understanding it, and the Evil One comes and steals away what was sown.” This means we might end up blocked from God because we lack education in the ways of the Spirit.

The seed sown on rocky ground is “the one who hears the word and receives it at once with joy. But he has no root and lasts only for a time.” When difficulties and persecutions arrive, he loses confidence. 

“The seed sown among thorns is the one who hears the word, but then worldly anxiety and the lure of riches choke the word and it bears no fruit.” Some people hear the word, but then they are unable to maintain their focus and sense of prioritization. 

So from these sad cases we can construe the nature of good soil. When we understand the faith, when we take the time to read theology, to study the Scriptures; when we persevere, discipline ourselves, and practice the faith; when we have our priorities straight; then the seed will take root in us. And it will bear fruit thirty, sixty, or a hundredfold.