Proclaim God’s marvelous deeds to all the nations!
That is today’s responsorial psalm. How many of us actually do that? Most of the time, we’re imploring God to hear and answer our petitions and grant us all our requests. Sometimes we remember to thank God for answering prayers, and sometimes we take them for granted.
Rosary
Reading today’s Gospel reminds me of the third decade of the Luminous Mysteries; The Proclamation of the Kingdom!
Christ is surrounded by a huge crowd, so He decides to step on a boat and preach to those assembled. He talks about the sower scattering seed everywhere. Some seeds fall on the path, some on rocky ground, some among the brambles, and some on good soil.
We, you, and me, are the good soil. If you are reading this, you are part of the luxuriant rich top soil. You hear the Word of God either while reading the Scriptures, or hearing them proclaimed at Mass. Let the words of Jesus penetrate into your soul. He is talking to you.
Where is Your Treasure?
Don’t be like those on the pathway who relished the words of God but then quickly forgot them when the world around them led them in another direction. Don’t be like the ones in the brambles who get distracted with worldly cares and treasures, or the ones sown on rocky ground who may believe the Word but then get dissuaded by others or get mocked for their beliefs.
Stand firm and “proclaim God’s marvelous deeds to all the nations”. Now, more than ever, we are called to profess our faith and not be afraid.
We should use St. Paul as our example and guide; he who originally persecuted Christians but then became the most famous apostle for Christ. The zeal he exhibited after his conversion is unmatched, and we should strive to be like him.
Saints Timothy and Titus, who we honor today, were close friends and disciples of St. Paul. They learned to evangelize from the master. Let us beg their intercession to help us be better disciples in the modern world that we live in.
I love your call to proclaim! Thank you for this, Arlene!