Soil

​Step #1: Lectio / Read

Click the link below or open your Bible to the passage and read through the reading at least once, paying attention to what is happening in the text.

MATTHEW 13:18-23

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​​Step #2: Meditatio / Meditate

Use the following meditation to help you reflect more deeply on the Scripture (you may want to read the passage again).

When it comes to gardening- are you someone who puts in the work and remembers to water your green pals or are you like me…someone who struggles to keep a succulent afloat? Any plant I have owned - dead. gone. dry. One summer I had a job on my college campus as a groundskeeper. Although my experience of landscaping was nothing compared to tending a field of crops, it did allow me to have a deeper appreciation for all who work their land. It takes hard work and motivation to grow any plant with rich soil, which will give way to a beautiful thing- a fruitful harvest.

In our Gospel today, Jesus shares the parable of the Sower and the seed. Our hearts are the type of soil in which the seed of God’s message of love can be planted.
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I wonder what kind of terrain I have set for myself to hear the word of God so as to grow in virtue and be spread to help plant seeds of God’s word. I like to think that I have worked hard to maintain rich soil in my heart, but to be honest, it tends to be more of a rocky, thorny ground.

Maybe that is something you have drawn to reflect on as well.

Maybe your path is covered by insecurities and fear that take shape like thorns and the garden of your spiritual journey is overgrown and neglected.

Maybe you’ve been overwhelmed by the hurts of our world, especially during all this craziness of the year 2020, that your path with God has boulders or poison ivy covering it which makes it easier to get off of the trail.

It takes time and hard work to till the soil to receive God’s truth. When we become lazy in our prayer lives or entering into the Sacraments, His truth falls on rocky, un-sturdy ground, resulting in His word to not be absorbed and therefore to wither and die. As you can imagine it was not earth shattering to learn the reason behind why I could never keep my plants alive- because I was a lazy sower. I ‘d forget to water or take proper care of my plants. It can be easy to be a tired Catholic and forget to water our faith life. But let us remember that we are not called to be on our path with Christ alone. The guidance of tending to our spiritual growth is found in our communities, our parishes, and the Saints.
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When a vine grows it extends upwards in a circular motion reaching for something to attach to for support. The Kingdom of God is our goal and as we grow in virtue with one another, we are all called to put in the work that will allow for the small seeds of God’s truth to grow, blossom, and be spread to all we encounter. Let us roll up our sleeves, be okay with the dirt on our hands, and work hard to till the soil of our hearts so we can be spread into the world by the Divine Sower to bear a fruitful harvest for the glory of His Kingdom.

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​​Step #3: Oratio / Pray

These questions are to be used to talk to God; have a conversation with the Lord about these questions and what is going on in your heart as you pray today.

Are you afraid of getting messy as you explore your faith/

What kind of soil are you for receiving the word of God?

How are you tilling the soil in your own life and in those around you?

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​​Step #4: Contemplatio / Contemplate

​In this step, you listen. Stop talking, let God speak to your heart. You may repeat one of these short phrases to focus your mind on the Lord.

"Help me prepare to receive you."

"I want to grow."

"Help me love deeper."

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Step #5: Actio / Act

In light of today's reading and your time spent in prayer with the Lord, what concrete action or actions will you take to let this encounter with the Lord bear fruit in you today?

Plant something today. Use it as a reminder for yourself to till the soil of your faith this summer. When the plant is a little dry, water it - and remind yourself to water your faith too!

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​Smartphone Lock Screen

The following image is here for you to save and use as a background or lock screen on your smartphone or device to help you carry today's Lectio Divina with you the rest of the day.

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Today's prayer was prepared by Katy Praetzel, a worship leader in Pittsburgh, PA.

If you have anything you'd like our team to pray for, please go to the page of our website called "Prayers" and let us know how we can pray for you today.