The readings for the Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time invite us to ask a simple but important question: How is God preparing my heart to receive His Word?
In this week's episode of All Set for Sunday, Fr. Eric Johnson reflects on one of Jesus' most familiar parables—the Parable of the Sower. While it's tempting to focus on which type of soil we resemble, Fr. Eric encourages us to notice something even more important: the work belongs to God.
The first reading from Isaiah reminds us that God's Word is never wasted. Just as rain and snow nourish the earth and accomplish their purpose, God's Word always bears fruit—even when we can't immediately see it.
That truth becomes especially comforting when we hear Jesus describe the rocky soil, the thorns, and the worries that keep His Word from taking root. Anxiety, suffering, distractions, and the lure of worldly success are realities every Christian faces. Rather than simply telling ourselves to "try harder" or "stop worrying," Fr. Eric points us toward something deeper.
God Is the One Who Brings the Growth
One of the most encouraging insights from this week's discussion is that becoming "good soil" isn't simply a matter of self-improvement.
We cannot remove every anxiety or overcome every temptation by our own strength. Instead, we are invited to remain open to God's grace. It is He who fills the empty places in our hearts, strengthens us through trials, and roots us firmly enough to withstand life's storms.
As Fr. Eric explains, if we try only to remove distractions without allowing God to fill our hearts, something else will eventually take their place. Lasting transformation comes from receiving God's presence, not merely relying on our own efforts.
Trusting Through the Difficult Seasons
Fr. Eric shares a personal story about his fear of public speaking while in seminary. Simply being told, "Don't be nervous," wasn't helpful. What ultimately changed wasn't sheer determination, but learning to trust God, stepping forward despite the fear, and discovering that God was present every step of the way.
It's a reminder that faith doesn't eliminate our struggles overnight. Rather, God walks with us through them, gradually forming us into disciples who trust Him more deeply.
Like the seed planted in rich soil, spiritual growth often happens slowly and quietly. We may not always recognize it in the moment, but God is faithfully at work beneath the surface.
Preparing for Sunday
As you prepare for Mass this weekend, spend a few moments asking yourself:
- What anxieties or distractions are keeping God's Word from taking root?
- Where am I trying to rely on my own strength instead of God's grace?
- How is God inviting me to trust Him more deeply this week?
The good news is that the harvest ultimately depends on the Lord. Our task is simply to remain open, receptive, and willing to let Him do His work within us.
May we become rich soil where God's Word bears fruit beyond anything we could accomplish on our own.
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