From Our Pastor

07-16-2023Weekly ReflectionFr. Aruldoss, Pastor

Dear People of God,

Good morning to you all! This weekend, I miss you all because I am going to St. Patrick’s Church, Mauston Wi for the Mission Coop for my native diocese of India. Fr. Sebastian of Trempealeau is coming to do his Mission Coop in our Tri-Parishes for Tamilnadu Bishop’s Commission for Social Communication Society (Matha TV), India. All those who are able, please do support this mission appeal. On this 15th Sunday of Ordinary Time, the liturgy of word of speaks about the importance of following the word of God. In the first reading of this Sunday, the prophet Isaiah compares the Word of God to rain and snow that falls on the ground: “As the rain and snow come down from the heavens and do not return without watering the earth…so the word that goes from my mouth does not return to me empty without carrying out my will and succeeding…” this is a statement of fact and also, of assurance to those who believe, accept it with faith, and live it out in their life.

In today’s gospel reading, Jesus speaks us about the parable of a Sower, sowing seeds and an explanation. Four types of places. Only one type of soil produced good harvest. In his explanation, we could see that there are four types of persons that they receive the word of God. First three did not bear any fruit due different reasons. We should not be like those person. We are called to be like the last person mentioned!

Jesus is not telling us a parable to condemn us but to invite us to change our ways of living so that we can be more consistently in that last group: hearing and responding to the word and bearing fruit in our lives. This is a parable, and simply put, God is the Sower and our hearts, the different types of soils upon which the seeds fell.

The Word of God is like a planted seed which will produce in us a great harvest. Of course, for that seed to grow, it has to be taken care and protected and watered. This is a sign that the seed of the Word that God sends forth into our hearts and the world is viable and not sterile. It has full potency and must give life to anyone that provides a conducive environment for it to germinate, grow and bear abundant fruits. In other words, God’s plan will unfold in us for genuine good, definitely; but we have to do our part in order to figure out what God wants and how we can live out His will. So, let us try to follow the word of God and bear much fruits in our lives as much possible.

Have a happy Sunday,

Fr. Doss