July 23, 2025: “What Kind of Soil Are You?”

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Gospel: Matthew 13:1–9

Ordinary Time – Parable of the Sower

Begin with a Life Story

There was a young man named Aarav who dreamed of becoming a great musician. He bought a beautiful guitar and joined a music school. But after a few weeks, he got bored of the scales and exercises. He stopped going.

A year later, inspired again, he enrolled in another course, but this time, he gave up when the teacher corrected him strictly. The third time, he joined with enthusiasm, but distractions—his phone, outings, laziness—choked his time. Finally, on the fourth attempt, he found a mentor who not only taught him music but also inspired him to persevere. He practiced daily, stuck with the process, and slowly, the music began to grow in him. Years later, he became a respected musician—not just because of his talent, but because he had become good soil for the seed of learning.

Just like music, the Word of God requires soil that welcomes, nurtures, and perseveres.

[Scriptural Reflection – Matthew 13:1–9]

Jesus speaks today from a boat, to a large crowd on the shore. He tells them a simple story—a sower goes out to sow. Some seeds fall on the path, some on rocky ground, some among thorns, and some on good soil.

At first glance, it seems like the parable is just about farming. But Jesus is inviting us to look deeper. The seed is the Word of God, and the soil is our heart.

Let’s explore the four types of soil:

1. The Path – Hard Hearts

These are people who hear the Word, but it doesn’t sink in at all. It bounces off like a ball on concrete. Why? Maybe due to pride, past wounds, or distractions. Sometimes we are so "busy" or "angry at God" that nothing spiritual penetrates. The devil snatches away the seed before it can grow.

Question: Am I too hardened by disappointment or pride to let God speak to me?

2. Rocky Ground – Shallow Faith

Here, the Word is received with joy, but there’s no depth. Faith becomes just a feeling. As soon as challenges come—mockery, pain, unanswered prayers—they fall away.

Faith without roots cannot survive storms.

Question: Do I give up when faith becomes hard or inconvenient?

3. Among Thorns – A Distracted Life

The seed begins to grow, but it’s choked by the thorns of worries, wealth, and worldly desires. We may go to church, say prayers, but our hearts are divided. We want Jesus, but also comfort, status, and control.

Question: What thorns in my life are choking God’s Word—fear? greed? too much screen time?

4. Good Soil – An Open, Persevering Heart

Here, the Word is heard, understood, and lived. It produces fruit—30, 60, 100 times more! These are people who allow God's Word to shape their decisions, behavior, and character.

Faith is not a moment, it is a daily choice.

Question: What can I do today to become better soil?

Practical Application

How can we become good soil?

  • Plough your heart: Spend time in daily prayer and reflection. Break the hard surface.

  • Remove the stones: Face your doubts and struggles—talk to a priest, read the Bible, ask questions.

  • Pull out the thorns: Simplify your life. Cut back distractions. Let go of sin.

  • Water the soil: Participate in the Sacraments, especially the Eucharist and Reconciliation.

Be patient. Growth takes time.

Conclusion

Dear friends, Jesus sows His Word generously—He doesn't choose only perfect soil. He gives each of us a chance, every day, to be fruitful.

Let us not waste the Word we hear today. May we not just listen, but receive it deeply and live it out.

“He who has ears, let him hear.”

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