The Catholic Calendar for Wednesday, July 20, 2005
Wednesday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time
St. Apollinaris, bishop and martyr

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Exodus 16:1-5, 9-15
Psalm 78:18-19. 23-28
Matthew 13:1-9

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

So often, New Testament incidents and parables are presaged by Old Testament stories of a similar nature. How wonderful and exciting that we frequently see God highlighting the things He wants us to know in such a manner! Today’s scripture is an example of this: about the Old Testament Jews complaining that they had no “decent” food in the barren desert. Today’s New Testament parable is about the seeds scattered on different soil conditions producing different effects. The seed is the Word of God. The soil upon which the seed is cast is the heart, the soul, the animus, that dwells within each of us.

We need to examine how we compare with both the Old and New Testament stories of today’s readings. Do our lives seem to be barren of all fruit? Does it seem that one day after another is as boring and listless as a hot, windless day in summer? Have we become so accustomed to God’s lavish gifts, that we no longer recognize them? Or even worse, have we failed to respond to the gifts God has showered upon us?

How can we respond? How can we convert the energy of those gifts into light that will shine before each person we meet during the day? We must reflect every day on our place in God’s plan for all mankind. We must ask ourselves: where do I fit in? Surely I could apply some small but special talent from God that will help humanity become just a little better -- one small act of charity after another. Yes, starting today, I will promise God to try harder to be a good and faithful steward of His gifts during my short time on earth.

- joachim, OCDS

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