16th Week in Ordinary Time Year B - Friday

Back then, in practical training, for two years I was assigned in the North District of the FIN Province. The
district is (up until now) made us the communities of DBA - Mabalacat, DB TVET Center - San Jose, and DBTI - Tarlac.
The district gathering was one of the things that I was always looking forward to, because more than the food, the
fellowship of the confreres, the places we were able to visit, one thing has never outgrown or is never omitted in the
gathering - stories. The experiences and stories of the confreres are not just simple stories but in those stories that we had
shared, we are able to know more our confreres and the relationships between confreres are deepened and we become
more united as brothers and confreres.

Stories have played a big role in the lives of people. Stories are powerful enough to draw people and
catch their attention. In the process, those who listen are able (1) to give their time to the sharer by listening, (2)
to know the message of the story heard, and (3) they come to know more of the one who shares - because what
is being shared is part of the life of the person and those who are related to him. Jesus too is also attuned with
stories. He uses stories to catch the attention of the people. Jesus uses parables as these kinds of stories are
closely related to the people. One thing that we have learned in our classes is that parables are not just simple
stories but these stories are meant to shake up those who listen. The listeners are brought to a reflection that will
“guide” them to look in their state of life.

Our Gospel reading today, brings us again to look at the parable of the sower. We see different images of
soils as these soils have received the seed sown. Three different soils have received the same kind of seed but
different endings. Our Gospel is guiding us to reflect on our attitude, our relationship with the Word of God and
how has it affected us in our life? Has the Word of God sown in us has taken deep roots? As in the 1st reading,
the people of Israel have also been sown the “seed” by giving them the commandment - 10 commandments.
These laws of YHWH to Israel are given to them to grow in love and in spirit with Him as these commandments
will be the manifestation of how deep the relationship be between YHWH and Israel. Springing back to the
Gospel, the seeds are images of the Words that God has been speaking to us since the time began.

Today let us give time for ourselves to introspect or to ask ourselves how are we relating with the Word
of God at this point in our life. We are privileged that we are able to partake in this celebration of the Eucharist -
hearing God’s Word and partaking in his meal. As with the people of Israel, has the Word of God - the seed
sown - already taken root in our lives or otherwise?

As we continue on in this celebration, let us ask the grace of love and understanding that we may truly
nurture our love for God and be able to listen well to his biddings for our lives.

Do I accept the Word of God lovingly in my life? Is there a change in me to love the Lord more? How
deep is my love for God in this moment of my life?