16th Week, Ordinary Time, Friday, July 24, 2026

Reflection on the WORD

Do we love God with Fidelity?”: Jesus proclaimed the “Parable of the Sower” to remind us of the different types of fidelity of faith. The seeds that are sown on the edge; on patches of rock, and thorns; all fail God in different trials. But, the seeds that fell on “rich soil” yielded a rich harvest. Ponder on, “Do we love God with great fidelity or do we abandon Him in trials?”

Matthew 13:18-23

Jesus said to his disciples: ‘So pay attention to the parable of the sower. When anyone hears the word of the kingdom without understanding, the Evil One comes and carries off what was sown in his heart: this is the seed sown on the edge of the path. The seed sown on patches of rock is someone who hears the word and welcomes it at once with joy. But such a person has no root deep down and does not last; should some trial come, or some persecution on account of the word, at once he falls away. 

‘The seed sown in thorns is someone who hears the word, but the worry of the world and the lure of riches choke the word and so it produces nothing. And the seed sown in rich soil is someone who hears the word and understands it; this is the one who yields a harvest and produces now a hundredfold, now sixty, now thirty.’ 

Today's Pointers on God's Word

As you read the passage what words, phases or meanings caught your attention?

  • Jesus’ parables are meant not only to portray a truth, but also leave it to us to reflect on how the truth is applicable to our life. At the same time it also allows the Holy Spirit’s inspiration to enlighten and strengthen us. 
  • How open are we to God’s Word and Truth that come to us in different ways to challenge and inspire us in our daily living? 
  • Each of the different soil in the parable challenges us to become more fully aware of what our present relationship with our Lord is. Ponder on the parable and speak to the Lord in a personal way.