Fifteenth of Year A - The Word of God
July 2008
The theme today is the Word of God.
If I say something derogatory about someone else, not only do I harm that person’s good name among those who hear me but also in my own estimation.
If I say a word of praise about someone else, not only do I raise the estimation others have of that person but also my own estimation of that person.
We can all remember words that caused us to harbour anger and hatred and words that moved us to acceptance and forgiveness.
The spoken or written word is very powerful. It is like a seed. Of its very nature it germinates and grows.
Whether it produces good or harm depends on the nature of the word and the intention of the speaker or writer.
The Word of God is always good and the intention of the speaker or writer is always good. So why does it not always germinate, grow and produce a good harvest?
The answer is in today’s Gospel. Firstly I must be listening. Secondly I must have the will to put what I hear into practise.
After Mass, it is not uncommon for one person to say ‘what on earth were you talking about today’ and another to say ‘the sermon you gave today really helped me.’
It is the very same with the Word of God. The effect it has on me, whether spoken or read, at any given time, depends on my disposition at that time.
The four differing areas on which the seed falls in today’s gospel signify my differing attitudes towards, and reception of, the ‘Word of God.’
These differing attitudes, are easily discernable in any church congregation but none of us are open to being told this. I can see it in others but not in myself.
It is good to remember from today’s Gospel that seeds germinate and grow. This involves constant change. That is why the gardener goes frequently to examine his/her plants.
If the word of God has truly taken root in my heart then my attitude towards God, towards my neighbour, towards the Mass, towards the sacraments, towards prayer, towards my possessions, should be slowly but constantly changing.
If change stops it means that growth has stopped and this will affect the harvest.