Saturday 20th September – Memorial of SS Andrew Taegon (Priest) & Paul Hasang, and their companions, Martyrs

Reflection: Luke 8: 4-15

TAKE THE WORD TO YOURSELF

“This is people who with a noble and generous heart who have heard the word and take it to themselves and yield a harvest through their perseverance” Luke 8:15. We are indeed privileged to listen to or study the word of God. The extent to which this privilege becomes gainful to us as Christians depends on our receptivity to this word. In the parable of the sower Jesus gives us an insight to the possible end points of the word of God sown in our hearts, each depending on the state of heart of the listener. For the word of God to bear fruit in us, Christ says that we must take it to ourselves.

It is very easy for us to study or hear God’s word and think of it only at the level of a “story”, a “parable” or just some pious teaching given to some people several centuries ago. In actual fact,  we can get so caught up in finding the faults of various biblical characters that we fail to apply these words to ourselves. On the other hand, we can think of our brother, neighbour or friend to whom we think the teaching applies to the extent that we forget ourselves completely.

Today dear friend, Jesus is reminding you and I that God’s word will be effective in us only when we take it to heart and apply it to ourselves. Is the word of God convicting you of some sinful patterns in your life? Is it challenging you to persevere your journey of faith? Is it reminding you of the blessings God has in store for you as you faithfully seek to please Him?

Take the word to yourself so that it will bear the fruit for which God has sent it (Isaiah 55: 10-11)

PRAYER: Thank you Father for the gift of your word. Please help me to be open to the working of the Holy Spirit and He seeks to help me apply the word to myself. Amen.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: YOUCAT 19 – What role does Sacred Scripture play in the Church?

The Church draws her life and strength from Sacred Scripture.

Besides the presence of Christ in the Holy Eucharist, there is nothing that the Church honors more reverently than Christ’s presence in Sacred Scripture. At Holy Mass we receive the Gospel standing, because in the human words we hear, God himself speaks to us.

HIDE A TREASURE: “Welcome the word which has been planted in you and has the power to save you” James 1:21 CCB

Readings for Today: 1 Corinthians 15: 35-37, 42-49; Psalm 56: 10-14; Luke 8: 4-15