Cultivating the Word of God in our Daily Lives

Tissot's "The sower and the Seeds"

These hazy July days, here are a few things to think about: in a farming community, all the townspeople gathered to pray for rain. Only one brought an umbrella. That's faith. We go to bed without knowing tomorrow, but still we set the alarm clock. That's hope. We see suffering, but we still make vows, get married, raise children. That's love. We plan big things despite challenges. That's confidence.  Yes, these are a few things to mull over these summer days.

Second Isaiah is fascinated with the awe and grandeur of this universe. Just as spring rains and winter snows bring forth new life on the ground, so too does the word of God bring forth goodness.
We pray “Thy will be done” even though at times God’s will seems obscure. Yes, God’s word ultimately will achieve its purpose despite hindrances we place before that word.

St. Paul urges the early Christian community in Rome to stay the course and not lose their confidence in God. Just as a mother in her labor brings forth a beautiful child, so God ultimately will reveal his glory and splendor despite any human tragedies. Paul should inspire us, especially when we may think that, to quote the poet William Butler Yeats: “Things fall apart; the center cannot hold; mere anarchy is loosed upon the world….” (The Second Coming.)

  In the Gospel according to Matthew, Jesus speaks to us in a parable.  The sower is God. Notice how generous God is. He spreads his goodness everywhere. The seed is the word of God. The different kinds of soil are different types of people.

Some people are like rocky ground: so shallow that when the going gets tough they forget God. Others are like thorny ground: so consumed by earthly cares they are unaware of their purpose.
Still other people are like good soil: they not only hear God's word but do it. Jesus asks us: Who are we in this parable? How do we cultivate the word of God in our daily lives.

A larger a question is, how cope with the challenges of life? Talk to God as you would with a good friend. Whatever situations we face, happy or sad, bring them to God in prayer. Trust in God's unconditional love for us.

Think, for example, about St. Paul. This leader of the early church was imprisoned, apparently unable to proclaim the “good news” that Jesus Christ lives. Yet, as Paul wrote, “We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him.” Paul's imprisonment resulted in him being sent to Rome where he preached the gospel. Two thousand years later, vast numbers of people bearing hardships have been inspired by Paul's story of how good came out of evil.

You and I may never know how God uses our faithfulness to achieve his purposes. Perhaps our prayer should be: Lord, thank you that you are with us. Thank you that through all of life you work for the good of those who love you.

Whatever challenges we’re facing, keep praying, trusting, looking for opportunities to serve God, and never, ever give up.