When in today's Gospel Jesus said, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear, He indicated the importance of paying careful attention to the Word of God. The first reason for listening to His Word, therefore, is that He commanded it. The second reason, which could be called greater (if that is possible), is that the Word of God is full of God Himself. "To you it has been given," He told His disciples, "to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God." See, it is a gift, it comes by grace. It comes through the Word, because embedded in the Word is the Word Himself, the Second Person of the Trinity, God of God. The mercy of God is seen in this: that the sower goes out to sow his seed, and, in spite of all its impediments--the devil, temptations, and the cares and riches and pleasures of this life--finds root in some hearers who bring forth fruit to maturity. We are no match for all these impediments, but the Word contains the infinite power of God (for the Gospel is the power of God unto salvation), which provides all the defense we need.
The sower is actively sowing his seed at the very time the Gospel is being preached; and the grace of God is being bestowed upon the hearers. Take to heart the example set by the disciples who came to ask Jesus the meaning of the parable. So let us return to Him always, seeking to learn, to ponder, to meditate, and to gain ever more understanding of His holy mysteries; for in them is life and salvation.
The audio of the sermon is here.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment