July 24, 2026
Friday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Optional Memorial of Saint Sharbel Makhluf, Priest
Gospel: Matthew 13:18-23

Today is Friday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time. The Church celebrates the Optional Memorial of Saint Sharbel Makhluf of Lebanon. The recently published Roman Missal tells us: Saint Sharbel Makhluf (or Charbel, 1828–1898) was born in Bekaa-Kafra, Lebanon. He joined the Catholic Maronite Order and professed his vows at the Monastery of St. Maron in Annaya. From 1875 onward, he lived the eremitical life, holding the Most Holy Eucharist as the source and summit of his life; his reputation for holiness spread far and wide. On December 24, 1898, he suffered a stroke while celebrating Mass and died.

Today’s passage from the Gospel of Matthew gives us Jesus’ explanation of the parable of the sower. I wish to offer some further reflections.

First, Jesus explains the meaning of the seed sown on the path (cf. Matt 13:18–19). This signifies those who hear the word of God but do not grasp its meaning. Though God grants them the hearing of the word, it bears no fruit in their lives; the devil comes and snatches the word away from them.

Next, Jesus explains the seed sown on rocky ground (cf. Matt 13:20–21). Clearly, He refers to those who are interested in the Kingdom of Heaven He proclaims yet find it difficult to make a decisive commitment to it, and even harder to truly embrace it. Thus, the word of God cannot take root in their hearts so as to fill them with its grace.

Then, Jesus explains the seed sown among thorns (cf. Matt 13:22). Evidently, He speaks of those who view the world according to its own logic. They interpret the word of God by their own lights and proclaim it according to their own designs, seeking to maintain their standing within the Church. When the brothers and sisters who listen to them cease to pay heed, anxiety sets in; this anxiety estranges them from the word of God, suffocating the seed sown in their hearts so that it cannot be nourished by grace and withers away.

Finally, Jesus explains the seed sown on rich soil (cf. Matt 13:23). Clearly, He refers to those who hear the word of God, follow the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit, understand its true meaning, and live out its spirit faithfully. Having received the word, their hearts remain ever attuned to the Heart of Jesus. The seed takes root and grows within them. Those who witness their transformation through the word may, in turn, be moved to change their own minds and hearts; thus, the word begins to take root in them as well. In this way, the fruit of the word in the world slowly ripens and yields an ever-greater harvest.

On this Optional Memorial of Saint Sharbel Makhluf, Priest, let us join together in praying:

O God, who called the Priest Saint Sharbel Makhluf to the solitary combat of the desert and imbued him with all manner of devotion, grant us, we pray, that, being made imitators of the Lord’s Passion, we may merit to be co-heirs of his Kingdom. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.

©Totus Tuus 2026
Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica