Wednesday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time/ Optional Memorial of Saint Bridget of Sweden, Religious
Matthew 13:1-9
The courage to scatter the seeds of the Gospel

Jesus “went out to sow.” This is how the Gospel begins today—a simple action, but one filled with hope. The Sower is the Lord Himself, and the seed is the Word of God, which is not simply a teaching, but a living Person: Christ, the Word made flesh. When we welcome His Word, we welcome Him.

But how do we receive this seed? Jesus tells us it falls on different types of soil—rocky ground, thorny patches, and even the hardened path. How often does the noise of our world, the distractions of screens and opinions and endless chatter, keep us from truly listening? So many times we walk through life with hearts closed, unable to let the Word take root. Yet the Sower keeps sowing—patiently, generously, with trust.

You and I, dear friends, are also called to sow. Yes, we are called to be sowers of hope, of joy, of love. Each of us has the capacity to plant something beautiful in another person’s life—a word of encouragement, a gesture of compassion, a small act of mercy. Let us not hold back.

Do not fear if some seeds are lost. Jesus Himself experienced rejection. But he never stopped loving, never stopped sowing. If just one seed falls into good soil, it bears fruit—thirty, sixty, a hundredfold.

So let us ask ourselves: what are we sowing? Are we planting peace or resentment? Encouragement, or criticism? Today, ask the Lord for a generous heart. Don’t wait for perfect conditions. Go out, as Jesus did. Sow.

And trust—because in God’s hands, even the smallest seed becomes something great.

May the Virgin Mary, who welcomed the Word in her womb, help us to be fertile soil for the Gospel.

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Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica 2025