Reflection for July 16, 2023

Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (A)

​Isaiah 55:10-11 | Psalm 65:10, 11, 12-13, 14 | Romans 8:18-23 | Matthew 13:1-9

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​The readings for the Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time remind us that God's word holds great power, that the struggles we face now cannot be compared to the future glory that awaits us, and that it is important for us to truly hear and internalize God's word to experience its transformative impact in our lives.

​Julina, an elderly woman, arrived home after attending Holy Mass only to discover a burglar in the act of ransacking her house. Startled, she yelled, "Stop!" and quoted Acts 2:38, which encourages repentance. Surprisingly, the intruder froze in place, allowing Julina to call the police. Patrolman Navarette, the police officer, handcuffed the burglar and asked why the thief hadn't tried to escape. The burglar responded, "Escape? She claimed to have an axe and two .38 caliber guns!"

God's word is powerful. Our first reading today from the book of the prophet Isaiah contains a metaphorical description of the power and effectiveness of God's word. Isaiah uses the example of rain and snow falling from the sky and then returning after doing their job to show this. Just like rain and snow water the earth and help it produce crops and food, God's word also has a purpose and will achieve what it's meant to do.
God's word is authoritative. It means that when God speaks, His words don't go without any impact or results. God's promises are trustworthy. In this case, Isaiah is talking about God's promises of restoring, redeeming, and blessing His people.

In the 1976 Olympics held in Montreal, a Japanese gymnast named Shun Fujimoto was participating in the team competition. During his floor exercises, he suffered a significant injury and broke his right knee. It seemed evident to everyone present that he would have to withdraw from the competition. However, they didn't account for the unwavering determination of a true competitor. The very next day, Fujimoto decided to compete in his strongest event, the rings. Despite his injury, he performed an excellent routine. The crucial moment came during the dismount, where he had to land with tremendous impact on his wounded knee after executing a twisting, triple somersault. The arena fell into intense silence, and then erupted in thunderous applause as Fujimoto remained standing. When reporters later questioned him about that moment, he shared that the pain had shot through him like a knife, bringing tears to his eyes. But he now had a gold medal, and the pain had disappeared.

Present sufferings cannot be compared to the future glory that awaits believers in Christ. The apostle Paul, in his Letter to the Romans, discusses the concept of future glory and the hope that Christians have in the midst of present suffering. Paul acknowledges that followers of Christ may go through hardships, but he assures them that these difficulties are nothing compared to the amazing glory that awaits them in the future. This future glory refers to the complete transformation and redemption of believers in the presence of God. Paul also explains that all of creation is eagerly waiting for the day when God's children will be revealed, longing for the time when sin and decay will be eradicated. Creation itself has been affected by frustration and decay due to human sin, but there is hope that it will be set free and experience the same freedom and glory as God's children.

Farmer Romulo was driving his Isuzu tractor with a trailer full of organic fertilizer towards La Trinidad. He intended to use the fertilizer to enhance the quality of his soil. Meanwhile, eight-year-old Caloy was playing in his yard and noticed the farmer passing by. Curiously, Caloy inquired, "What do you have in your trailer?" Farmer Romulo responded, "Horse manure." Intrigued, Caloy further asked, "What are you planning to do with it?" The farmer replied, "I'm going to put it on my strawberries." Caloy then suggested, "You should join us for a meal, we put ice cream on our strawberries!"

The same sun that hardens the clay melts the wax. It's not just about how the message is presented or external factors, it depends on the willingness and openness of the individual receiving it. In Matthew's Gospel, Jesus uses the Parable of the Sower to illustrate this. The parable describes different types of soil that represent different heart conditions:

1. Hardened hearts: Some people have resistant hearts, like hardened clay. They are closed off, skeptical, or have been hardened by past experiences, making it challenging for the message to take root.

2. Superficial faith: Similar to wax that quickly melts, some individuals respond positively initially, but their commitment and faith are shallow. When faced with difficulties, temptations, or persecution, their faith easily fades away.

3. Distractions and worldly concerns: The thorns in the parable symbolize life's distractions, which can hinder the growth of God's word. People may be consumed by desires, material possessions, and worries, preventing the message from making a lasting impact.

4. Receptive hearts: The good soil represents those with receptive hearts who truly understand and embrace God's word. They allow it to take root, grow, and bear fruit in their lives through transformed character, love, and obedience.

Jesus teaches us to truly listen and internalize God's word to see its fruitfulness in our lives. This Sunday, the message reminds us of the importance of open hearts and the transformative power of God's word. What's the current condition of your heart?

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