Key:
What these passages tell us about God
What these passages tell us to do
What these passages tell us not to do
Commentary
Reading 1 JER 3:14-17
Return, rebellious children, says the LORD, for I am your Master; I will take you, one from a city, two from a clan, and bring you to Zion. I will appoint over you shepherds after my own heart, who will shepherd you wisely and prudently. When you multiply and become fruitful in the land, says the LORD, they will in those days no longer say, "The ark of the covenant of the LORD!" They will no longer think of it, or remember it, or miss it, or make another.
At that time they will call Jerusalem the LORD's throne; there all nations will be gathered togetherto honor the name of the LORD at Jerusalem, and they will walk no longer in their hardhearted wickedness.
At that time they will call Jerusalem the LORD's throne; there all nations will be gathered togetherto honor the name of the LORD at Jerusalem, and they will walk no longer in their hardhearted wickedness.
Responsorial Psalm JEREMIAH 31:10, 11-12ABCD, 13
R. (see 10d) The Lord will guard us as a shepherd guards his flock.
Hear the word of the LORD, O nations, proclaim it on distant isles, and say: He who scattered Israel, now gathers them together, he guards them as a shepherd his flock.
R. The Lord will guard us as a shepherd guards his flock.
The LORD shall ransom Jacob, he shall redeem him from the hand of his conqueror. Shouting, they shall mount the heights of Zion, they shall come streaming to the LORD's blessings: The grain, the wine, and the oil, the sheep and the oxen.
R. The Lord will guard us as a shepherd guards his flock.
Then the virgins shall make merry and dance, and young men and old as well. I will turn their mourning into joy, I will console and gladden them after their sorrows.
R. The Lord will guard us as a shepherd guards his flock.
Hear the word of the LORD, O nations, proclaim it on distant isles, and say: He who scattered Israel, now gathers them together, he guards them as a shepherd his flock.
R. The Lord will guard us as a shepherd guards his flock.
The LORD shall ransom Jacob, he shall redeem him from the hand of his conqueror. Shouting, they shall mount the heights of Zion, they shall come streaming to the LORD's blessings: The grain, the wine, and the oil, the sheep and the oxen.
R. The Lord will guard us as a shepherd guards his flock.
Then the virgins shall make merry and dance, and young men and old as well. I will turn their mourning into joy, I will console and gladden them after their sorrows.
R. The Lord will guard us as a shepherd guards his flock.
Alleluia SEE LK 8:15
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Blessed are they who have kept the word with a generous heart and yield a harvest through perseverance.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Blessed are they who have kept the word with a generous heart and yield a harvest through perseverance.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel MT 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."
"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."
1. God blesses, and blesses through, those who stick with Him. (first reading, psalm, alleluia verse, gospel).
2. That blessing is given to, and given through, people of all nationalities and ethnic backgrounds (first reading, psalm).
3. Not everyone who is offered God’s goodness will accept it. (first reading, psalm, gospel).
4. The extent of that blessing can be exponential for/through those who earnestly seek it. (first reading, psalm, gospel).
5. So how do we position ourselves to receive and deliver God’s blessings?
A. Persevere, keep striving with the Lord, come back to Him if you make missteps, even serious ones. (first reading, alleluia verse, gospel).
B. Have a soft, generous, heart toward God and your fellow man (first reading, alleluia verse, gospel).
C. Do not let yourself be discouraged by distressing things going on in the world or your life, but instead focus on the Lord and delivering His goodness (gospel). Psalm 37provides some good guidance on how to do that, especially verses 1-11 and 27. Other good guidance can be found in Peter’s reaction to the storm in Matthew 14:22-33; he rose above the storm as long as he kept focused on Jesus.
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