The Parable of the Sower helps us understand that we all go through various stages in our spiritual growth, where we may be unreceptive to the truth; then accept it for a while but not act on it because of persecution or the cares of the world; and, finally, when we open our hearts to God and accept His way wholeheartedly.
Rest is essential for every human being. Finding our rest in the Lord, in the Scriptures and the Eucharist, especially on the Sabbath, is a far more fulfilling and spiritually edifying experience than any purely human act of self-indulgence in the guise of respite.
It is only in humility that we can see God, we have the truest experience of the Father through Jesus. Let us not fall into the trap of prideful “wisdom” that will only lead to our spiritual ruination.
Answering the call to one’s vocation is indeed answering the call to embrace true freedom. Jesus challenges us to hold His commands above all else, including familial ties and demands. In carrying our cross willingly, we find easiest the path to the Kingdom.
Becoming followers of Christ has a heavy relational price to pay – the severing of familial ties and being excluded from social and economic support. More than this, we are called to give up our lives for Christ. Therefore, those who have made a particular decision to follow Christ, giving up family and financial security, must receive assistance to the fullest extent possible.
There is something more valuable than our biological body, our youth, our appearance, and our status. Something which cannot be taken away by the violence of the passing years, of sicknesses, or the evil that people do. Something which is eternal: the soul which is also our true self.
Today there are still many people who are killed because of the Gospel. Even without bloodshed, persecution exists and it is unavoidable.
Each of us need to find our vocation, filling that innermost desire to make a difference in the world, answering God’s call wholeheartedly. We must not allow ourselves to be distracted by the pitfalls and lures of the world that might derail our journey to finding our vocation.
When we become followers of Christ, we are naturally called to serve our brethren without any self-interest. A disciple of Christ gives completely and generously; he emulates the compassion of God without expecting recompense.
(The Body and Blood of Christ call us to be reflections of Christ in being “broken bread” to our family, community, and the world. We must die unto ourselves in order to follow Christ and receive His salvation.)