“But the seed sown on rich soil is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold.” (Matthew 13:23).  

The major theme for this 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time focuses on the Word of God that He will realize the purpose for which it has been spoken, to fulfill His will, intention, and purpose, according to His way, and in His time.

In the Old Testament, the creation event in the book of Genesis, God’s almighty power or action is channeled, pronounced, and realized through the Word of God. Therefore, a word is more than just the sound, the enunciation of an idea, but a dynamic entity pressing onward to its realization in due time and space.

Like water once being poured out cannot be retrieved, a word once uttered cannot be revoked. A word given out is accompanied with the speaker’s reputation, authority, and consent. Wrongfully spoken, it may cause drastic consequences. “Words kill or give life; they’re either poison or fruit—you choose” (Proverbs 18:21). Life or death is hinged in one word. Therefore, we should be careful with it.

In the New Testament, the Word of God, which is the power of God for salvation, is set forth in a most wonderful way, the ultimate truth of God's Revelation, in Jesus Christ, whose acts, teachings, Passion, and glorification are under the Spirit's guidance (CCC #124).

God does not want us holding a relationship of Transaction but Transformation. Therefore, Dynamic Christian disciples are those who (1) BELIEVE, (2) GROW, (3) SERVE, (4) LOVE and (5) LEAD others to Jesus. Today’s topic invites us to accept, trust and share the Word of God, to follow Jesus Christ more closely, to repent our sins, to exercise our Christian stewardship, to use our time, treasure, and talents to love God above all and to love our neighbors as ourselves, participating in the works of mercy, to accomplish God’s will in our lives to glorify God.  

How can we help each other assess the nature of our spiritual soil (e.g., mind, heart) to welcome and respond to the Word of God, even in trials or tribulations?

Wishing everyone a blessed week in the Lord.