The Seeds of Faith in us must bear Fruit

Ex. 16:1-5.9-15, Mt. 13:1-9. In today's first reading, the people of Israel became angry and refused to show gratitude to God for having freed them from slavery in Egypt. They grumbled and complained against the Lord and Moses. They would rather be enslaved in Egypt and enjoy the bountiful food and drinks there than suffer in freedom in the desert. In placing this experience with the parable in today's Gospel, we see different views on how God deals with His people: in the Exodus saga, God intervenes with signs and wonders; in the parable, God works quietly, making the farmer’s hard work fruitful. In this parable, the sower spread the seeds on different places and the seeds grew differently based on the conditions of where they fell.

The seeds that fell on the rocky ground, roadside, or those that fell among the thistles and brambles, fell on unfavourable grounds did not allow those seeds to grow properly. Therefore, preventing the seeds from growing into a well developed plant that can bear rich and bountiful fruits, unlike those seeds that fell on the fertile soil. God has given us the same seeds of faith, unless we do differently from what the Israelites had done, we will end up falling into the same trap of faithlessness and disobedience against God. To allow the seeds of faith to grow deep in our hearts and minds, we must be receptive of the Word of God. Today, we are challenged to be fruitful and not be bogged down or distracted by the concerns of the world and by our desires for worldly pleasures.

May the Lord provide profitable job for those who have no work and may they be comforted in challenging situations! Amen!! Good morning, it is well with you!!!