The Need of Working on the Rocky Ground

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 16th Week : Friday*

*Gospel : Mt 13:18-23*

*First Reading : Ex 20:1-17*

*The Need of Working on the Rocky Ground*

*1) The seed fell on the Rocky Ground*

While sowing the seeds, some of them fell on the Rocky Ground 

The Gospel says, it Sprouted immediately because of the little mud and moisture

The problem was, there were lots of rocks, which didn't allow the roots to get into the ground, thus it dried and died. Could not produce any fruit 

*2) Is it impossible for the seeds to bear fruit?*

The simple answer would be, *No*. It means, it is possible for the seeds to produce the fruit which fell on the rocky ground 

But one has to rework on the ground. One has to remove those rocks, which obstructs, the roots of the seeds to get into the mud 

Once the rocks are removed, the roots can get into the mud, and the seed can produce some fruit  

*3) The Rocky ground in our Life*

Many a times our heart and mind is like a rocky ground, which obstructs the roots of the Word of God, to set in and to grow the seeds of the word of God 

In this context one has to make some special efforts to remove these various stones from our heart, which may help the seed to grow and bear fruit 

*4) Various possible stones which make our heart as rocky ground*

The stone of revenge

The stone of pride

The stone of greed 

The stone of arrogance

The stone of selfishness

The stone of hatred 

The stone of gossip 

The stone of jealousy

The stone of indifference

The stone of power 

The stone of authority

The stone of wealth 

The stone of self-righteousness 

The stone of anger 

The stone of laziness

The stone of pleasures

*5) Various instruments to remove these Stones from our heart*

Simplicity

Humility

Sacrifice

Love

Discipline

Sincerity

Truthfulness

Service

Generosity

Forgiveness

Sharing 

Prayer 

Celebration of the sacraments

Courage 

*6) Am I ready to work on the Rocky ground*

First of all I need to find out, what type of heart I have 

If my heart resembles the rocky ground, then I have the responsibility to rework on this ground

I need to work in such a way that I must be able to segregate the stones from my life and throw them out 

So, am I ready to work on this rocky ground?

This rocky ground may be within my life, or within my family or within my community or within the surroundings where I live

What is my role then?

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*