Parable of the Sower

The sower sows seeds (Mt. 13:8).  The smallest of seeds sown is the mustard seed, a seed empowered to produce the largest of trees.  A lot of growing power, significant strength and endurance exist in that tiniest of seeds.  The seed of the Word of God contains infinite power, almighty power, divine power greater than any other power generated on this earth by humankind.  The seed of the Word of God planted in a heart open to God, respectful of God, eager for God will bear abundant fruit that will last an eternity.  At times we may wonder, especially when nothing seems to be happening, when we bump into the same weaknesses, seem to be making little or no progress in virtue. “Be still and know that I am God,” the psalmist chides us.  The seed of faith, hope and charity grows in the stillness, in the darkness of “night”.  God gives the growth, as St. Paul reminds us in  1 Cor. 3: 5.

Am I willing to remain open, to nurture the Seed, to water the Seed? Am I willing to cooperate with God? Or am I too busy, got other things more important to do? Do I simply ignore God’s Word speaking to me in my own being, through others, through the Scriptures, the Liturgy, the homily, the events of my life, thus choking it, leaving it to dry up on rocky soil?  The choice is mine.

Mother Frances Streitel: A religious tradition of her childhood

Amalia Frances Rose Streitel aka Mother Frances Streitel, Foundress of the Sisters of the Sorrowful Mother—We read in one of Mother Frances’ biographies that devotion to the Sorrowful Mother was a strong tradition in Mellrichstadt, Germany, and perhaps in all of Germany. Religious traditions that impacted me as a child were weekly Mass, weekly confession in preparation for receiving the Eucharist at the liturgy, daily rosary, prayers before and after meals. Truly, for my parents, religion and the nurturing of their faith were central to their lives. There was never a question of attending weekly Mass, come rain or shine or piles of snow. We got to church! The whole village must have been of that mindset, as winters were harsh; yet we were always plowed out on weekends, as much as I can remember. And never, never, was the rosary not a daily priority, even when we children objected! Is it that kind of atmosphere/attitude on the part of adults in my life that fostered my religious vocation? Possibly! And, from my perspective, I am grateful. What stands out in your childhood as positive influences to the vocation to which God called you or is calling you?