July 24,2009

Friday July 24, 2009 of the 16th Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Exodus 20: 1-17 Psalm 19: 8-11 Matthew 12: 16-23
Psalm Response: “Lord, You have the words of everlasting life.”

The reading from Exodus enumerates the Commandments of God for the first time. The theme of the Commandments is love and obedience. Common sense makes most of them redundant, and Christ reduces them to two in His discourse( John 13: 34-35), “Love God and Love one another.
Common sense dictates if we would all abide these two commands of Jesus Christ there would be an end to war and strife. Nations and peoples would honor each other and disdain making war for other than defensive purposes.

Psalm 19 is a mini Psalm 119, in which euphemisms for God’s word and commandments are part of each verse. Notice the words “Law, Decrees, Precepts, Ordinances” all pertaining to the Commandments of God.

The sowing of seed done in ancient time was more of a scattering than a sowing. Farmers had a bag of seed strung around their waist and they would enter a tilled field and strew the seed by the handful. Not a very scientific or efficient but it served the purpose because the farmer knew some of the seed would be developed into plants and produce food in abundance.
The purpose of the parable was to equate agricultural practices to explain the proselytizing His disciples would attempt on His behalf. The seed being the word of God would only penetrate a few souls. Therefore they were not to be discouraged as not everyone would accept Christ but some would and they, in their turn would also sow in the same way.
You may be the seed responsible for the conversion of someone even though you may not be aware of it. Some kindness, mercy or grace imparted may be the impetus needed to convince someone of the validity of your hope in Catholic teaching!