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15th Sunday of Year A – 2023

In Jesus’ lifetime, sowing the seed for a harvest in Palestine was different from what is done nowadays here.
The gospel text of this Sunday (Matthew 13:1-23) tells us:

“Imagine a sower going out to sow…”

To imagine this scene, we must know that the method used would have been what we call:
‘sowing wildly’, or ‘sowing to the four winds’.

This is not a careful placing of some seeds in rows prepared to receive them.
The seeds are thrown haphazardly, they are cast far and wide without precision.

It is easy to conclude that the outcome will be different according to the place the seeds will eventually reach.

Listening to Jesus teaching, we can expect, as easily, that the same will happen with people.

Jesus’ words confirm our guess – people who receive the seed of God’s word react in different ways.

In Jesus’ parable, their attitude is compared to four types of ground:

The edge of the path…
Patches of rock with little soil…
Among thorns…
Rich soil…

Four words – starting with the letter S – can characterize the people themselves:

Superficial… God’s message is soon ‘gone with the wind’…
Senseless… people with no roots, no purpose in life…
Subdued… easily overcome by problems and obstacles…
Serious… about human existence and intent on finding its meaning…

I look at the words, I think of the personality they suggest, and I ask myself where do I belong?…
Suddenly, a comforting thought comes to my mind…

The seed cannot change the place where it is thrown but…
But a person can move from one position to another!
Superficial, senseless, subdued people can be transformed into…
the kind of people welcoming God’s word with their whole heart.

Welcoming God’s message,
and yielding a harvest
according to what God expects from each one individually.

A comforting thought indeed, and a promising perspective!…

Note: Another text is available on a different theme, in French, at: https://image-i-nations.com/15e-dimanche-de-lannee-a-2023/

Source: Image: freebibleimages

3rd Sunday of Easter, Year A – 2020

The scene of the disciples on the road to Emmaus, today’s gospel (Luke 24:13-35)
offers many interesting aspects for reflection.

One especially retains my attention; the text says:
“Jesus himself came up and walked along with them;
but they were kept from recognizing him. »

Many writers have been speculating on the cause of this:
what was it that prevented the disciples from recognizing Jesus?
What caused them to be blind in this way, unable to see that the man walking with them was Jesus?

Different commentators have proposed different reasons.
As far as their explanations are concerned, the usual expression can be used:
‘On this matter, the jury is still out.’
In other words, nobody knows for sure!

The reason why this verse keeps me thinking does not belong to exegesis.
It is more personal, much closer to ‘home’, one could say.
The question then becomes formulated in a different way,
and it is addressed to me directly:
‘What is it that prevents ME from recognizing Jesus in my own life?

What prevents me from perceiving Christ, the Risen Lord, present with me from day to day?
What is the cause if this unusual blindness,
this failure to be aware of the obvious presence –
even though hidden from the eyes of my body?

An impediment of what kind?
An obstacle of what sort?

Fear of seeing something within myself that I would prefer not to see?
Shame for something of the past which I do not want to acknowledge?
Inattention? Indifference?

Perhaps simply forgetfulness?
Whenever I walk alone on whatever road or path, perhaps I could find out?…

Note: A video presentation of this scene can be found at: https://youtu.be/4QwKU442-80

And another reflection is available on a different theme in French at: https://image-i-nations.com/3e-dimanche-de-paques-annee-a-2020/

Recherche

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15th Sunday of Year A – 2023

Source: Image: freebibleimages

3rd Sunday of Easter, Year A – 2020

Source: Image: Catholic online