Jesus said, “The sower went out to sow; and, as he sowed, some seeds fell along the
path; and the birds came and ate them up. Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where
there was little soil, and the seeds sprouted quickly, because the soil was not deep. But
as soon as the sun rose, the plants were scorched; and they withered, because they
had no roots. Again, other seeds fell among thistles; and the thistles grew and choked
the plants. Still, other seeds fell on good soil and produced a crop: some a hundredfold,
others sixty, and others thirty. If you have ears, then hear!”
Reflection:
Many people listen and receive God’s word, but its effect in their lives
vary. For it is not only the mere act of listening that is important. The quality
of the heart of the listener and his or her capacity to receive God’s word matters.
It starts with the actual hearing of the word. But sometimes we hear but do
not understand. The word of God falls on sterile grounds. It could not bear fruit. It can
also be choked and stifled by our many concerns. It might be the recordings in
our mind that continuously play thus preoccupying our attention. It can be our
fears, our worries and our activities. That is why it pays to be mindful of these
things that occupy our minds. In knowing them, we could get rid of them
and allow the word to be our main preoccupation in life. This in turn will make
us fruitful hearers of God’s word because it will have the power to direct our lives
to do God’s will.
© Copyright Bible Diary 2021