Jeremiah 3:4-17, Jeremiah 31:10-13, Mathew 13:18-23

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

Blessed are they who have kept the word with a generous heart
and yield a harvest through perseverance. Lk 8:15

Jeremiah 3:4-17, Jeremiah 31:10-13, 
Mathew 13:18-23


Jeremiah 3:4-17

My Love, Beloved of my soul,

Truly all are called but only a few will hear and respond to Your call. Those who do have formed Your new people, Your new Jerusalem, the beacon on the hilltop. All can see her light but only those who love the light will ascend the mountain of the Lord.

Here is another prophecy Beloved that has been fulfilled in You and in the Church, the New Jerusalem, that You have founded in Your own Body. You are the Head of the one, holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church You have founded. You gave her birth on Calvary and she was wholly possessed by Your Spirit at Pentecost. 

While it is true that her members are sinful Beloved, it is You who clothe her in garments of righteousness, You make Your home and Your sanctuary in her and she gives You glory, honor, worship, praise, adoration in the offering of the one, holy, perfect, Sacrifice that she offers to the Father from the rising of the sun to its setting. This is why she will remain clothed in Your glory and Your majesty for she is Your Bride.
Jeremiah 31:10-13

My Love, Beloved of my soul,

Although Your Church suffers persecution on every side yet, she remains unvanquished because You are her Shepherd. You gather Your flock tenderly as a mother hen gathers her chicks. You console and strengthen her for she walks in the valley of tears. Sorrow, suffering, and sacrifice are her lot for she is not greater than her Master. But we know that streams of life-giving water flow from You through her through the Sacraments. 

You have ransomed her from the powers of darkness, death, iniquity, and slavery and You have set her up high on a hilltop to be a light to the nations.

All who belong to her rejoice and are glad for they know that Your mark is upon them and they belong to You forever.
Mathew 13:18-23

My Love, Beloved of my soul,

You explain succinctly how people receive the Word of God and respond to it. God is the Sower, the seed is Your Word, the different types of soil represents the hearts of those who hear the Word.

The seed that falls on the path are the hearts of those who are indifferent to You. They do not know You and do not wish to do so. Their hearts are a thoroughfare for all kinds of traffic so nothing can make an impact on them. 

The seed that falls on rocky ground are the hearts of those who are easily excitable. They respond to anything that is novel but they lose interest almost instantly and so the Word is unable to put down deep roots in them.

And finally, there are those on whom the seed falls and they receive Your Word joyfully, like Mary, they contemplate it, meditate on it, live it, find life in it, and they bear an abundant harvest for the glory of God.

Grant me a heart that is receptive to Your Word always like good soil and may I bring forth an abundant harvest with the help of Your grace and mercy. Amen.