The seed in good soil yields abundant harvest.

"STORE UP IN YOUR MINDS, THE LORD'S WORDS WHICH YOU RECEIVE, THROUGH YOUR EARS, FOR THE WORD OF THE LORD, IS THE NOURISHMENT OF THE MIND... BE CAREFUL THAT THE SEED RECEIVED THROUGH YOUR EARS, REMAIN IN YOUR HEART." (ST POPE GREGORY THE GREAT).

"On that day, Jesus went out of the house and sat down by the sea. Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat down, and the whole crowd stood along the shore. And he spoke to them at length in parables, saying: “A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seed fell on the path, and birds came and ate it up. Some 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. But some seed fell on rich soil, and produced fruit, a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold. Whoever has ears ought to hear.” (Matthew 13: 1 - 13).

Wednesday 20th July 2022 of the 16th Week of Ordinary Time is the feast of St Apollinaris. Bishop and Martyr. Syrian. Died 79 AD in Ravenna, Italy where he was Bishop. Two things are fascinating about our saint:
#1 The Apostle Peter himself ordained him a Bishop.
#2 St Apollinaris had an extraordinary gift of healing. The pagan Roman priests were so jealous of him that they persuaded Emperor Claudius to put him to death.

St Apollinaris stored up the word of God in his heart and mind and it made him exceedingly fruitful in his ministry.

The seed in today's Parable is the word of God.  When it falls into a rich soil, it produces rich harvest.  What is a rich soil?  A rich soil is a soul that has been prepared and conditioned to receive the word of God. 

The means for preparing the soul to receive the word of God are daily prayer, the sacraments, study of the word of God and a desire for God.  When the soul is prepared, it becomes like a watered garden.  It becomes expectant and receptive.  So when it hears the word of God (Rhema), it is ready for it.  It recognizes its opportunity when the word is proclaimed because it has been expecting it.  When the word of God is received with faith, it germinates, grows and yields rich harvest.

"The seed sown among thorns is the one who hears the word, but then worldly anxiety and the lure of riches choke the word and it bears no fruit."  (Matthew 13: 22).

Only rich soil can bear rich fruit and yield a harvest of 100, 60 or 30 fold. How much fruit do you desire to produce?

"I am present to you when you open the Scriptures and I want to enlighten you and instruct you. When you read My word, seek My Heart. When you read the Scriptures, seek My Face. You will find My Heart hidden in My word like the treasure hidden in the field, and you will discover My Face shining through the text and illuminating the eyes of your soul." (IN SINU JESU).

7. 2. Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ purify and heal me.

“It is in this Blood that He has laid up His blessings for us, as in a storehouse. This is true, not only of spiritual blessings, but of all blessings whatsoever.” (St Peter Faber).

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com