The Good Soil

Readings for Wednesday January 26, 2011

Memorial of Saint Timothy and Saint Titus, bishops

First Reading: 2 Timothy 1:1-8 or Titus 1:1-5
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 96
Gospel: Mark 4:1-20


“Hear this! A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seed fell on the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Other seed fell on rocky ground where it had little soil. It sprang up at once because the soil was not deep. And when the sun rose, it was scorched and it withered for lack of roots. Some seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it and it produced no grain. And some seed fell on rich soil and produced fruit. It came up and grew and yielded thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold.” He added, “Whoever has ears to hear ought to hear.” (Mk 4:3-9)

Today Jesus tells us the parable of the seed sower. He describes how some seeds fell on the path and were eaten up, others fell on the rocky ground but were scorched by the sun because of lack of root. Some also fell amongst the thorns and could not grow, and the last seeds fell on good soil and produced a great deal of good fruit. I pray that we all can embrace God's love and mercy to stay in the "good soil" where we can thrive in this life, instead of just survive.

Throughout history, we have many great examples of men and women who have sought to do God's will and have surrendered to Him. Many of these men and women would be considered as being brought up in the "good soil" and produced much fruit in their lives. Today we remember and honor two of these great men, Saint Timothy and Saint Titus. Both of these men were bishops in the early Church, and each one was very dear to Saint Paul. It is clear from his opening letters to them that they were men of faith, men who could be trusted to spread the good news to all they came into contact with; men who were not afraid to help others be in the "good soil" and live fruitful lives. We should look follow their example of serving God and others very closely, so that our lives may too produce good fruit.

May we all continue to seek God with our hearts and to persevere through the temptations of this world. Saints Timothy and Titus, pray for us!

Father above, we thank you for the gift of this day. May we seek to strive and do your will each day in our lives. Lord, protect us from this world, and strengthen us in this fight for truth that we are in. Lord, we pray for all those who are seeking you, may they be brought to your love and mercy. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.