People belong to different religions, spiritualities and various belief systems and structures. Today’s parable (Lk. 8:4-15) highlights the same struggles and realities that believers in any religious context will experience. They are as follows:
* Whatever the Holy Book, Philosophy or Cosmic Outlook to which the believers subscribe, there will always be distractions, deafness and disobedience that rob them of salvation.
* There are believers who hear and understand the values and teachings of the group. But weakness in the face of temptation and real worldly pressure make them fall away.
* Believers are reminded that only the spiritual is eternal. Yet too many allow their pursuit of riches and worry over material things to prevent them from producing mature fruit.
* There are believers who listen with understanding; “embrace it with a generous and good heart, and bear fruit through perseverance”. Despite their weakness, they press on.
Given the reality that there will always be different levels of faith; divergent approaches to God and the teachings of one’s community, what then is expected? Our aim is to be part of the last group who desire and actually bear good fruit in the midst of those who fall in the other three categories. Do not judge them nor imitate them. Bear fruit that pleases God.
Loving Lord, You give us what we need to bear sweet fruit in the midst of a people who are blind and deaf to Your word and way. Help us to consistently choose not to imitate the vice and darkness around us. By Your grace, may our lives inspire others to do the same. Amen.
Blessings,
Fr. Howie
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