Ordinary Time, 15th Sunday (A) When scripture talks about a gardener, a vineyard owner, or a sower, we are meant to think of God. God "gardened" the world into existence by speaking his word. The world simply receives God's word and does what he says. 

Human hearts are more complicated. Matthew chapter 12 shows much opposition to Jesus's word. In Matthew chapter 13, Jesus changes his preaching style. He keeps preaching the truth, but now in riddles or puzzles. You won't be able to receive it if your heart is not open.

We have a responsibility to cultivate the soil of our hearts. The hard soil makes me think of friends, family, and media that scoffs at or dismisses Catholic faith. The rocks are like the hurts and wounds that lurk under the surface. We need to open to God's word the places that have become fossilized by self-protection and self-reliance. Finally, the weeds can speak to all the places where our schedules are overgrown.

God has put a lot of care into you... is he seeing any fruit? We need to cultivate a heart that is ready to receive and grow God's word. 

(12 Jul 2026)

Going Deeper: Can you think of any birds you need to shoo or weeds you need to pull?

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