Daily Readings - Sun Jul 16 2017
Romans
18For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.19For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God.20For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope21that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.22For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now.23And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.
Matthew
1That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the sea.2And great crowds gathered about him, so that he got into a boat and sat down. And the whole crowd stood on the beach.3And he told them many things in parables, saying: "A sower went out to sow.4And as he sowed, some seeds fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured them.5Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and immediately they sprang up, since they had no depth of soil,6but when the sun rose they were scorched. And since they had no root, they withered away.7Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them.8Other seeds fell on good soil and produced grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.9He who has ears, let him hear."
Sermon
In today's readings, we are invited to reflect on the journey of faith and the hope that sustains us. The second reading from Romans reminds us that our current struggles are but a shadow of the glory that awaits us. Paul encourages us to endure suffering with patience, knowing that creation itself groans in anticipation of redemption. This passage is part of Paul's broader discussion on the Spirit and the hope of future glory, reassuring us that our trials are not in vain.
The Gospel from Matthew presents the parable of the sower, a powerful metaphor for how we receive God's Word. Jesus illustrates four responses to the seed: some reject it immediately, others embrace it superficially but falter, some let worries choke the Word, and a few nurture it to bear abundant fruit. This parable, part of Jesus' teachings on the Kingdom of God, challenges us to examine the soil of our hearts.
Both readings converge on themes of endurance and hope. Romans emphasizes enduring suffering with hope, while the parable calls us to receive God's Word with openness and commitment. In our daily lives, we are urged to cultivate the good soil of our hearts, allowing God's Word to take root and flourish despite life's challenges. Let us trust in God's plan, nurture our faith, and bear fruit in abundance, knowing that our perseverance will yield eternal rewards.