Sunday, 7/13/14
The readings today are about the word of God. By that they
do mot mean the words of the Bible, which can be called the word of God.
Rather, by his word they refer to the impulses God is constantly sending us.
They are impulses that urge us to do the right thing, and they are impulses
that open our minds to the truth. The old catechism name for such impulses was
Actual Graces.
The Gospel describes four different ways in which we respond
to God’s impulses. At times, like a hard-beaten path, our hearts have too much
going on to attend to God’s impulses. At times, like the shallow layer of earth
over the rock, we enthusiastically hear the word, then forget it by doing
nothing to let it take root. At time our vices and addictions squeeze out any
healthy impulses. But, thankfully, we cherish God’s word, letting it have
bounteous effects in our lives.
The second reading speaks of how there are costs in
responding well to God’s word. It brings on suffering in this time, but such
suffering is nothing in comparison to the great rewards that come from paying
heed to God’s word.
The first reading is a favorite with many people. Where the
Gospel compares God’s word to the seed the sower went out to sow, this reading
from Isaiah is more forceful and beautiful. God showers us with impulses
towards doing what is right and towards understanding what is right. And these
impulses, these actual graces, are as plentiful as the rain drops. Even tohugh
you and I don’t respond to God’s promptings, he keeps on prompting until he
gets someone to do his work.
In teaching the Seventh Grade each year, in coming to this
Chapter 55 of Isaiah, I’d hold up a dollar bill, saying it would go to the
first person who could memorize this passage. But, where our Lectionary gives
us only verses 10 and 11, I had them start back at verse 8. The whole thing
goes like this:
8. For my thoughts
are not your thoughts,
nor or your ways
my ways, says the Lord.
9.As high as the
heavens are above the earth,
so high are my
ways above your ways,
and my thoughts
above your thoughts.
10. For just as
from the heavens
the rain and snow come down,
the rain and snow come down,
and do not return
there
till they have watered the earth,
till they have watered the earth,
making it fertile
and fruitful,
giving seed to him who sows
giving seed to him who sows
and bread to him
who eats,
11. So shall my
word be
that goes forth from, my mouth;
that goes forth from, my mouth;
it shall not
return to me void,
but shall do my will.
but shall do my will.
Achieving the end
for which I sent it.
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