28 July 2023 - Only By Grace Reflections

NOTE: Please click the Subscribe key on YouTube and press the black notification bell to receive the daily reflections. Or, open in YouTube for easy access. View and Like. Thank you. TOPIC: IS THE SOIL OF YOUR HEART RICH TO GROW SEEDS OF FAITH? First Reading: Exodus 20: 1-17 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 19: 8, 9, 10, 11 Alleluia: Luke 8: 15 Gospel: Matthew 13: 18-23 To many, the good news remains just the good news, unless the hearer responds in his heart, which makes the big difference. This is a “reality check” especially if we had the privilege of having the Gospel presented to us. Sadly, Jesus shows us that the majority of the hearers of the Good News do not respond positively, rather they reject this treasure, sooner or later, in contrast to Denzel Washington who responded resolutely “to get better and to love more.” The gospel for today is a lesson on the condition of our hearts as we hear God’s words in the “Parable of the Sower.” The ground upon which the good seed falls in this parable is the human heart which we discover are each differently disposed and qualified. Like soil, man’s heart is capable of improvement, of bearing good fruit through the power of the Holy Spirit. Four different characters are revealed by Jesus through His description of the condition of the hearts of the hearers – the hardened and unaffected, the short-lived emotional zealot, the worldly entangled and the fruitful for the kingdom. This is the 1198th installment of our CFC contemplation series focusing on the daily liturgical readings. [NOTE: As we continue to pray for Bro Bong Arjonillo’s healing and recovery, let us listen to our brother Jess Ferrer, Head of the CFC Migrant Program, as he brings us today's reflection. All the regular reflections are between 3-7 minutes long, enough time for us to ponder what God's message is for us individually and to pray that we may live them out in our lives. This video is also available on Couples for Christ’s Facebook page. In You Tube, just type ONLY BY GRACE REFLECTIONS] #OnlyByGraceReflections #CFC #CouplesForChrist