Readings:
1 Cor 15:35-37, 42-49
Luke 8: 4-15
Reflection:
Jesus, was the ultimate storyteller. We all love a good story, and this parable of Jesus doesn’t disappoint. The parable of the Sower can be understood on many levels. Today, I want to concentrate on the gift of faith (having heard the word of God) that I have been given. Several years ago, when my mother was in an aged care facility, I recall one of the nurses sharing with me how she wished she had a faith because she was so aware how faith was a great comfort to the many people she was caring for in the retirement village. Nurse Lindsay’s comment has made me think a lot about my own faith. Coming from an unchurched family I’m very aware that the faith I have has been a gift from God. I have often thought that the one thing I want said in my Funeral Eulogy is “Elizabeth wants people to know that the greatest gift she was given in life was her faith”
Each day I’m grateful for my faith and with this gift of faith comes the responsibility to live my faith to the full according to my ability. Each one of us who have heard the word of God can respond by committing ourselves 30%, 60% or 100% we choose the measure we give, with God’s grace. I recall Sr Hilda Scott the Abbess at the Benedictine Abbey at Jamberoo NSW commenting on a retreat day that it is God who invites us to prayer first and we are free to respond. Here in Marrickville we are blessed that each day our faith can renewed by the Eucharist and Gods Word.
Thoughts to ponder on:
When God is calling me, I can make a decision to respond 30% or 100%
How much does God mean to me?
The rule of St Benedict states “Prefer nothing to Christ”
Let the seed the sower has sown in our hearts grow and blossom in rich soil and not fall by the wayside.
Elizabeth Buchel has worked as an educator and psychologist for many years. She is formed in Passionist and Benedictine Spirituality. Elizabeth is a Passionist Companion and has been a active parishioner of St Brigids Marrickville since 1985.