MASS READINGS:

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew 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."

REFLECTION: "But the seed sown on rich soils the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold."

When our young family travelled every summer to visit my inlaws, we would stop and take pictures of the Four Corners Monument commemorating the spot where the boundaries of Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona and Utah met. It is the only location where four states meet. The scenery was beautiful either direction you looked. The monument had a plaque that said," Here meet in freedom under God four states." Local Navajo and Ute artisans sold souvenirs and food.

The above gospel reminds me of these four corners--I believe our hearts have a little bit of the four states of soil--good soil, thorny soil, rocky soil and soil along the path. And no matter which state we have our heart, God, who is the sower, knows that we can change. And we can, through the grace of God, allow our soiled hearts to be tilled and cared for by God and eventually bear fruit.

Consider removing the thorns of anger, petulance, envy and allow God to till.

Consider removing the rocks of sloth, laziness, indifference and allow God to till.

Consider stepping away from the soil along the path which can be trampled and beaten down by worry and despair and allow God to till.

Through confession God can rain down showers of water and life into our hearts so that being free from sin we can meet God's Word and be able to hear and understand it. Remember all priests need our prayers. Please pray for them to be good confessors and good homilists.

God Bless you