Saturday 22 September
Luke 8:4-15
A seed is marvellous in its potential for new life. Insignificant in itself, it contains all that is necessary to produce a unique organism. Jesus compares the word of God to a seed. So how does it cause new life to grow within us? Just as a seed brings a whole new order of life to the soil, so God, through his word and his Spirit, enters into a conversation with us that changes us within. ‘In the sacred books the Father who is in heaven comes lovingly to meet his children, and talks with them’ (Dei verbum 21).
Our faith in the power of God’s word can be deepened as we look at the Israelites’ experience of it. They understood it as active and supremely powerful: ‘By the word of the Lord the heavens were made... For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood forth’ (Ps. 33:6, 9); ‘Not one of all the good promises which the Lord had made to the house of Israel had failed; all came to pass’ (Josh. 21:45). His word was full of wisdom: ‘Thy word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path’ (Ps. 119:105).
The disciples came to understand that Jesus’ words had the same divine power and wisdom, that he was the living Word of God. With a word he cast out demons, healed the sick and forgave the guilty. ‘You have the words of eternal life’ was Peter’s response (John 6:68).
Jesus said: ‘my words will not pass away’ (Luke 21:33). He is in glory in heaven, but through the Holy Spirit he continues to speak to us. ‘These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. But the Counsellor, the Holy Spirit...will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you’ (John 14:25).
Jesus’ word has the power to change us as it changed the disciples. But he warns us that there is a battle, that we need to strive to be good soil. Which type of soil are we? Do we resist or welcome the seed of his word? We are called to accept the word, to grow, to choose life. ‘Receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls’ (Jas. 1:21).
Lord, fill me with the joy of hearing your word. May the seed of your word bring forth abundant fruit in me.
1 Corinthians 15:35-37, 42-49 • Psalm 55(56):10-14
Luke 8:4-15
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