Types of 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 13:1-23

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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).

Today is no different than Jesus's time, there are many of of our loved ones who fall into these different places or evangelization, or as Jesus uses, types of soil. We are all called to be disciples and make disciples, and each of these soils we are evangelizing to seeks true, authentic love. This means we need to allow the Holy Spirit to speak and act through us. We need God to be active in our lives.

I know many people are not comfortable talking about their faith, but God calls us to speak about our faith, too. We need share why we believe and shout from the mountain tops the Good News of salvation and the sacramental graces of the Church. That sounds a bit theoretical, and most soil will not know what we are talking about, but it is as simple as sharing our hearts.

We can do this by telling others how God has changed our lives for the better and how much peace and joy we have following His ways. How much He loves us and forgiven us in the beautiful Sacrament of Reconciliation. We can share our current struggles and how He helps us escape the shame and grips of evil, division and resentment. Everyone is a sinner, maybe that soil needs to hear about a deep wound God healed for you? Being real and vulnerable touches all soils deeply.

Along with words, comes our actions. Do we show our love of God and love of others? One of the best ways to show this every day is in the way we love our lives. Notice I didn’t say “live” our lives - but “love” our lives. If we live each day praising Him and giving Him credit for the graces and transformation in our life, others will notice. If we show patience and kindness to everyone around us, people will see something different in us. If we show joy in all circumstances, say how much we trust that God has a plan and good will come out of this, people will be curious. People will be attracted to Jesus through us.

We must love all the soil around us exactly for what it is and believe that God will work His miracles in His time. Let's ask the Holy Spirit for courage to speak about God in our lives. Let's ask for His words to share our amazing stories of transformation and for His Spirit to love everyone - always.

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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.

What type of soil do you fall into? Where in your life do you need to seek the Word of God?

How can you reach out today to someone that is struggling in their faith? 

What is holding you back from sharing your faith with others?

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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.

"Here I am Lord."

"Jesus give me the courage to share my faith."

"Help me bring others to you."

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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?

Think about the people you will encounter today. How can you share your faith with one of them? 

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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 Kendra Von Esh, an International Catholic Speaker, TV News Anchor, Radio Host and Author with a passion to help others deepen their relationship with God and the Faith.

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.