From Desert Manna to Living Bread of Jesus: Trusting the Giver

From Desert Manna to Living Bread of Jesus: Trusting the Giver Today’s Homily reflects on Jesus’ words, “Whoever has ears ought to hear,” . . . . . . urging deep, attentive listening to God’s Word. Drawing on Israel’s experience in the desert, it warns against forgetting God’s past goodness when facing present challenges, and cautions against grumbling, mistrust, and spiritual immaturity. The Parable of the Sower The parable of the Sower illustrates God’s generous scattering of His Word everywhere, but also the varying receptivity of human hearts . . . whether hard, shallow, thorn-choked, or fertile. The example of Mary, who received the Word in her heart before in her womb, shows the ideal receptivity that allows God’s Word to take root and bear abundant fruit. The Eucharist is presented as both true heavenly bread and the seed of Christ’s life planted in believers, intended to grow and produce lasting spiritual fruit. The call is to prepare the “soil” of our hearts and ears to receive, retain, and live God’s Word. Hear more within this Meditation Media. Listen to: From Desert Manna to Living Bread of Jesus: Trusting the Giver -------------------------------------------------------------------- Quote from the Homily It is a response to a lack of trust. It’s a response to a lack of confidence and a refusal to understand that when God does anything, there’s always a point. There’s always a purpose. When grace comes into our lives, it always has a direction to it. It always leads us somewhere. But one only grows spiritually when one learns to trust the movement of grace and trust requires the risk of not always understanding right away. -------------------------------------------------------------------- Image Parable of the Sower: Dutch Painter: Pieter Bruegel the Elder:  1557 A Sower went out to sow. The painting depicts a farmer scattering seed across a field. On the left, thorny bushes threaten to overtake the grain. Nearby, rocky ground offers quick growth but little endurance. To the right, further down the hill, the seed falls on fertile soil. Across the river, a crowd gathers to hear the teachings of Jesus. The painting was inspired by a trip to the mountains the artist took just before creating this piece. -------------------------------------------------------------------- Gospel: Matthew 13: 1-9 First Reading: Exodus 16: 1-5, 9-15