Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Also Read: Mass Readings for 16 July 2023 Homily for 16 July 2023 – Sunday
First Reading: Isaiah 55: 10-11
“So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and succeed in the thing for which I sent it. (11)
The Word of the Lord is eternal and we have life through him. Jesus Christ the Word of God, came to the earth and redeemed us. We must live in him, while here on earth. In the Gospel, Jesus says, “Believe that whatever you ask in my name, it will be given unto you.” (Mt. 21:22) For every little request, we must turn to him.
Amen!
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 65: 10-14
The meadows clothe themselves with flocks, the valleys deck themselves with grain, they shout and sing together for joy. (13)
Praise and Bless the Lord God Almighty! Amen!
Second Reading: Romans 8: 18-23
That the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and will obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. (21)
We were created not for decay, but for abundance of life. Yet through sin, we lost this privilege. Not only humans but all of creation await redemption. In Jesus Christ, we have found our path to salvation and we are redeemed. While in this waiting period, we remain patient in hope.
Amen!
Gospel: Matthew 13: 1-23
“But as for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.” (23)
As a teacher of par excellence, Christ has explained the parable so beautifully. The first instance shows us, when we try to “understand” by our logic, the things of faith. This is a major stumbling block to our faith because spirituality needs to be understood by the heart and not the brain! Therefore we need to open our hearts and listen for the prompting of the Holy Spirit so that we understand. The second and third examples of people are those who listen with eagerness, yet when trials and troubles come their way; they lose heart and turn away from hope. We are encouraged by Christ to live by the promises of God daily. We are to take charge of the situations and cast the evil out. We have been given authority to drive away demons and tread over scorpions. (Luke 10:19) We must exercise this authority by taking the name of Jesus, casting out the ills, and praying in tongues. We have the victory in Christ, We must not be fearful.
Amen, Amen, Amen!
