In Jesus' own explanation of the parable in today's Gospel reading we are told that the ground where the seed falls represents the four types of people who hear God's word. The first type is the one who never actually hears God's word because it is taken by Satan before it reaches them; the second hears the word but after the initial joy at it's message, does not take the time to ponder it and let it deepen, or is easily put off by distractions; the third hears the word but the word never takes priority in their lives over material existence; the fourth not only hears God's word but takes the time to ponder it and let it deepen. It is this fourth type that Jesus is calling us to be - people of prayer, people whose hearts and minds are always fertile ground for the hearing of God's word, people for whom the message of Christ is the priority of life. The power of the word reaches over and above the reach of Satan, over and above the lack of ability to make a commitment past the initial stages, and over and above the continual draw of material possessions. All people have the potential to hear God's word for it is already written in their hearts.
Lord, let the seed You have planted become alive and ready to act in us who desire to receive the word and to let it grow in us.
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DAILY OFFERING
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Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings.
Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary,
my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage
discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.
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PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
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INTENTION
That Christians may favour the evangelisation of the new generations through the constant search for the unity wanted by Christ.
Elaboration
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