Wednesday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time
(Exodus 16:1-5.9-15; Matthew 13:1-9)
Jesus mentions “rich soil” in the gospel parable. Of what does that consist? Has it anything to do with Catholic education? Empirical research indicates that it might. According to a survey published six years ago Catholics who attended Catholic high schools in the U.S. are more likely to claim a strong allegiance to the Church and a habit of praying regularly.
But this is not to say that one needs to go to Loyola to be a committed Christian. Rich soil may be prepared in numerous ways. Most importantly, it is a matter of encountering Christ in the sacraments. Listening to the Word of God pronounced there pulverizes the rocky earth of egotism. Feeling the touch of Christ in the sacramental signs eviscerates the thorns of greed and lust.
