Matthew 13:18-23 in a tercet
Friday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time
©️2021 Gloria M. Chang
“Hear then the parable of the sower. The seed sown on the path is the one who hears the word of the kingdom without understanding it, and the evil one comes and steals away what was sown in his heart. The seed sown on rocky ground is the one who hears the word and receives it at once with joy. But he has no root and lasts only for a time. When some tribulation or persecution comes because of the word, he immediately falls away. The seed sown among thorns is the one who hears the word, but then worldly anxiety and the lure of riches choke the word and it bears no fruit. But the seed sown on rich soil is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold.”
Matthew 13:18-23
Hearing and Doing
The Greek word for “hear” (akouó) in Matthew 13:23 translates the Septuagint version of the shama (hear) in Deuteronomy 6:4: “Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one.” Hearing in the ear prompts obedience in the heart.
The English word “obedience,” composed of the Latin preposition ob- (to, toward) and verb audire (to hear, listen), also links hearing and doing. Wholeness of hearing involves the whole person.
The seed sown on rich soil hears the word and “understands” it, from the Greek suniémi (put together, consider, understand, perceive). Hearing, understanding, doing, and being converge in the organic fruit-bearing Body of Christ.
Sagely considered,
The seed of the word
Bears fruit when it’s heard.
Dear GMC, your reflection brings such Bountiful teachings. I praise God that as an adult I’m still learning how to be “one in the organic fruit-bearing Body of Christ.” Thank you for the inspiring words.
May our ears be alert
to discern
the media sounds
that divert
from the voice of God!
🍒”Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). 🐌