Study, Pray, Contemplate

​The Liturgy of the Catholic Mass is the Rich Soil, and We are the Seeds (15th Sunday of OT) – Year A​

This commentary opens up the agricultural imagery running through the readings God’s word as descending rain, creation groaning in labor, and seed scattered on rich soil, to show how the liturgy of the Mass is the fertile ground in which we are planted, watered, and grown into the harvest God intends.

First Reading (Isaiah 55:10-11): God’s word, like rain and snow, descends to make the earth fertile and fruitful: “It shall not return to me empty, but shall do what pleases me, achieving the end for which I sent it.”

Second Reading (Romans 8:18-23): All of creation is “groaning in labor pains” awaiting “the glorious freedom of the children of God.” The wound of Original Sin is not only ours, but it also reaches into the soil of the world itself.

Gospel (Matthew 13:1-23): The Sower scatters seed without prejudice; the determining factor is ‘where.’ The seed sown on rich soil “bears fruit and yields a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold.”

Liturgical Connection: The liturgy of the Catholic Mass is the rich soil of God the Divine Sower. When we sit, we are being planted; when we kneel, we are being watered with His Word; when we stand and process, we yearn toward the Son.

Key Message: We are the seeds of God, and the Mass is His chosen ground. The Holy Spirit infuses our labors with grace so that we might bear fruit in our own lives, in our neighbor’s, and in the life of the Church. Be in the world what you have received through the liturgy.

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REVIEW: "Was grateful to receive this one in the mail before Advent. An excellent commentary to read to the family. This has become my family's reading for Friday to help us prepare for Sunday Mass. It offers a depth that is helpful to all ages. A great conversation starter for the family dinner table. Bergsma's 'The Word of the Lord' was our Friday reading prior to The Liturgical Sense of The Readings at Mass, but this has become our preferred reflection. Thank you." - JP, Abide The Fire Apostolate