Sowing the Right Seeds

Readings for July 16, 2023

Isaiah 55:10-11; Psalm 65:10, 11, 12-13, 14; Romans 8:18-23; Matthew 13:1-23

Suggested Reflection Questions

  • The first reading talks about the life-giving qualities of following God’s words. When was a time you followed God’s will and did what you thought God wanted you to do? How did it turn out?
  • The second reading says suffering is nothing compared to all the great things God has in store for us.What’s a challenging situation you’re facing right now? How do you think God will help you through?
  • When Jesus tells the Parable of the Sower in the Gospel, he describes three types of seeds and compares them to people hearing the word of God. When was a time in your life you felt like the seed on the path (not understanding what God wants), the seed on the rocky ground (happily receiving God’s message, then forgetting it), the seed on the thorns (hearing God’s message, but don’t listen out of fear and temptation). How can you be more like the seed sown on rich soil, a person who hears, understands, and listens to God?