Friday of Week 16 in Ordinary Time
Exo 20:1-17
Mt 13:18-23
…but I show kindness to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments.
The ground we stand on is always pregnant. The land is always full and rich of history. Layers upon layers of sediments accumulate over millenia to tell the story of what lay on the ground before, and what came after it. The ground that you and I stand on today is premised by the layers beneath; and, the ground we prepare today could become the foundation for our future generations.
In today’s Parable of the Sower, the kind of ground — whether fertile soil, harsh unyielding concrete, rocky path, or thorny bed — is metaphor for the type of heart, mind, attitude, of receiving the seed of God’s word.
There are four types of ground surfaces that the farmer scattered seeds onto: the path (no soil), rocky ground (little soil), among thorns, and good soil.
The seed falling on the first path (no soil) refers to God’s word falling on our deaf ears — the message does not take root because of shallow, unfriendly conditions and the evil one snatches the seed away.
The second: rocky ground (little soil), is unstable for the seed to extend roots, even as it initially may try to germinate, whether because of a casual enthusiasm or inconsistent faith practice.
The third: seed falling among thorns, describes an attitude of being choked out by worldly distractions or temptations. Overriding the initially good intentions, faith is more enamoured and drawn away by worldly statue or anxieties.
Finally, the good soil is, of course, the most beneficial and profitable. Are we seeking Jesus with all our heart, body, and mind? It is important to ready our mental dispositions, daily habits, physical efforts and spiritual practices to listen to God’s will — making Him the utmost priority in our lives. A constant and concerted effort it will be.
On one hand, there is a literal reading of these four soils to describe the conditions of our hearts and minds in receiving God’s word. Yet, there is a strong case to read this Parable in the context of the Old Testament (Exodus 20:1-17) in today’s readings. The First Reading is of the Ten Commandments, and of God’s warning to the Israelites of His punishments and mercy across the generations of those who choose to love him or hate him. It is sometimes hard to read the Old Testament as modern-day Christians. Most of us prefer to hear the good stuff — the promise of blessings and prosperity; protection and covenant over us after the coming of Christ. Whereas it is preferable to relegate the seemingly punitive ‘God of the Old Testament’ to a bygone era.
Actually, that would be entirely foolhardy. God the Father, Christ the Son, and the Holy Spirit are one and the same — Triune in nature. The same yesterday, today and tomorrow.
In the light of the ever-alluring temptations of the world and flesh, and the increasing complexity of sins and errors committed in our world today, we Christians need to further gird our loins against the snares of the evil one, who not only robs the prized seeds from our life, but also encrusts our hearts with damaging sediments to obscure our ability to see and hear God’s call to the straight and narrow.
Let us remember that we are faithful, and we choose to remain faithful, not just for ourselves living today. We must add fertile ground and till good soil in order that our children will reap harvests for generations to come. God does reward faithfulness with mercy and He does punish sin. May we always choose faith.
(Today’s OXYGEN by Debbie Loo)
Prayer: The fear of the Lord is the beginning of Wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding (Proverbs 9:10). May we always have the wisdom of Holy fear in order that we remain faithful to His precepts.
Thanksgiving: We give thanks to God for forefathers who have loved God and remained faithful to His Word and will. We are grateful for those who have repented and returned to the fold.
OXYGEN 
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