💖 HOMILY - JULY 24 💖

First Reading - Jeremiah 1:1,4-10

Gospel - Matthew 13:1-9

We have different vocations: some are priests, some are sisters, some are social workers, some are doctors, some are simple parents, etc. They are all different in nature, but we are all called to bear fruit according to our vocation. Today's readings invite us to make our life of vocation fruitful in Christ.

The first reading presents the story of the call of Jeremiah. The call of Jeremiah has two facets: firstly, the call is an initiative from God. Secondly, it must be responded to. The call of Jeremiah revolves around the assertion of the fact that it is God who calls; it is God who chose Jeremiah before his being itself. God reminds Jeremiah of this reality and asks him to respond to His call. As a response to the invitation of God, Jeremiah gives his consent.

The gospel presents to us the parable of the sower. Jesus tells this parable and later explains it. However, we should take into consideration three things: firstly, this parable is said to a crowd that gathered around him—this crowd represents potential disciples who want to accept Jesus. Secondly, Jesus draws their attention with the word "listen" or "behold," which means the words Jesus is going to speak are of great importance. Thirdly, the parable concludes with a positive note that it is the good soil that produces crops—some a hundred-fold, some sixty, and some thirty; thus, the disciples should be like the good soil which receives the seed or the teachings of Jesus. Jesus contrasts the edge of the path, patches of rock, and thorns with good soil. All the other soils fail to produce crops because they were not appropriate for the seeds but the good soil; hence, his disciples should be receptive and should make themselves fitting for his word and God's kingdom.

Dear friends, through the call of Jeremiah in the first reading, we are reminded of the invitation of God that is extended to each one of us. It reminds us of the vocation we have received. The gift of vocation (vocation here is meant in a generic sense, which includes any walk of life that is suitable for our Christian life) that we have received must be responded to. Jesus, through the gospel, tells us that we can respond to our calls or vocations by becoming good soil, which is able to produce fruit. 'Fruit' depicts the spiritual riches of the followers of Jesus. Hence, every follower of Jesus is to produce fruit by hearing and following the words of Jesus or the teachings of Jesus. In fact, every vocation is enriched and guided to be spiritually rich by the teachings of Jesus. Without reception of the teachings of Jesus, we become like the soil along the road, the soil of the rocky ground, or the soil among the thorns, which fail to produce fruit. It is only by being deeply rooted in the teachings of Jesus that we can produce spiritual fruit. Therefore, let's allow the Word of God to guide and direct us in our lives or vocation. Let the teachings of Jesus always become our principles in life to remain spiritually rich soil.

May God help us become spiritually good soil to produce fruit.