The seed that falls on good ground will yield a fruitful harvest. -Luke 8:8

In today’s Gospel, Jesus seems to suggest that he uses parables because the meanings are not always self-evident. While some stories are straight forward, others require reflection to discover the deeper meanings and lessons Jesus means to share.

Jesus reminds us that in order for God’s Word to take root in us and produce abundant fruit, our hearts must be open and fertile, like good soil. That’s what happened to Schuyler. She had taken a year off from college to clear her head. She was in a vulnerable place, but her heart and mind were open to new experiences. She was willing to listen to the stories of others to help put her own journey into perspective.

When Schuyler was offered the chance to volunteer with CMMB in Haiti, she eagerly used her baby sitting money to purchase a plane ticket to Port au Prince, and joined the mission trip to Côtes-de-Fer. It changed her life forever.  Schuyler’s mom says, “When Schuyler came home, she was different. She came back from Haiti more aware of her own blessings. Her eyes had been opened not only to poverty and its devastating effects on the women and children she met, but also to their overwhelming will to survive, grow, and love.”

Schuyler also met her Angel, Lionel, a tiny boy living with his grandmother in a tent made of palm leaves. At home, Schuyler shared photos of Lionel with friends and talked about him constantly. He touched a chord so deep and profound, that she couldn’t ignore the overwhelming desire to help. Schuyler supports her “little man” every month. A recent update on Lionel’s progress brought tears and smiles. Lionel’s mother sent Schuyler a message:  “I prayed to God for help and He sent you.”  Isn’t that what being an Angel is all about?

In today’s readings, the different types of soil in which seeds are sown are metaphors for the way each of us reacts to the Word of God. Some will be easily swayed. Some will embrace faith for a time, but lose it when faced with difficulties. Some will hear the Word, but eventually, allow other cares to choke it out. Blessed are those who not only hear God’s Word, but put their faith into action. These are the “seeds” that produce the abundant fruits of love, mercy, and compassion.

Yours in grace,
CMMB/Healthier Lives Worldwide
*Today’s reflection was inspired by and adapted from the Loyola Press Sunday Connection.

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