Hearing and remembering

Theh story is told about a senior citizen who frantically reported to the police that he couldn’t find his car keys and his car in the mall parking lot. He then called his wife and told her of his predicament, but before he could finish, she said: “Didn’t you hear what I said before I dropped you off that I will come back for you? Now will you please come and tell this policeman who stopped me that I have not stolen your car!”

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In today’s Gospel (Mt. 13, 1-23), we learn from the Parable of the Sower about the different kinds of people who hear, who listen, but do not remember, or simply forget the instructions given to them. It is so important to learn to hear, to really understand and listen, and to do what we have been told.

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There are different kinds of listeners to God’s word. Which one are you? The first are the listeners ON THE ROAD. These are people who hear God’s word, but have little or no time to listen and understand it because they are busy and are always on the move. They have more “important priorities.” They just hear it, and that’s it.

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The second are the listeners ON THE ROCKS. These are people who receive God’s word with enthusiasm but soon fall away when they encounter problems or persecutions. So focused on their “consomisyon,” they soon forget their mission! They hear it, but they do not nourish or cherish it.

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The third are the listeners ON THE THORNS. These are people who hear, who listen, and who understand God’s word, but who become choked by worldly anxiety and worldly pleasures. They hear and nourish God’s word, but they do not persevere, and are imprisoned by their worldly ambitions and pleasures.

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The fourth are the listeners ON LINE AND ON CALL. These are people who not only hear, listen, and understand God’s word, but also treasure it in their hearts and live it in their lives, so that it bears fruit and yields a hundredfold. They continue to be in touch with God in prayer, they concretize God’s word in deeds of faith, hope, and charity, and they persevere.

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The main ingredients of the Parable of the Sower are the sower, the seed, and the fruits, of which only the sower is constant. The rest are variable and changeable. As we go through life, and whatever we go through in life, may God be our constant anchor and guide, the true north of our compass. People come and go, situations change, but only God remains. Let us be rooted in Him.

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The Parable of the Sower is a big reminder that there are many things beyond our control in this world. For those who believe that they can control everything and everyone, think again. Sooner or later, those who, because of money and power, believe themselves to be gods will find out that they are unable to control anything and anyone, not even their own bladder, their place of confinement or imprisonment, or their resting place.

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Speaking of planting and sowing, let us thank God that our country was spared from Supertyphoon “Florita,” which could have brought so much destruction to life and property this past week. How many of us even whispered a prayer of thanksgiving? Too focused on our personal concerns and agenda, we often forget or take for granted the many blessings we receive from God every day.

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The “cocolisap” infestation that is affecting some parts of our country is something we should not belittle or take for granted. It is a serious matter! Imagine what would happen if our coconut trees start to die and no longer bear fruit. The government should address the problem now, and we should be praying more!

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More than the “cocolisap” affecting our coconut industry, let us pray that the problem of the “cocolisap” politicians and officials wiping out taxpayer money would be addressed. The culture of greed and corruption is like a cancer that has spread vastly and deeply in our society. Spare us, oh, Lord, from greedy and selfish public servants.

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Think about this: “Plant honesty and you reap trust; plant goodness and you reap friendship; plant humility and you reap respect; plant forgiveness and you reap peace; plant mercy and you reap compassion. Yes, as you sow, so shall you reap.”

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Inviting you to a pilgrimage to Turkey and Greece on Oct. 13-27, which will include Istanbul, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Cappadocia, Athens, Ancient Corinth, Pergamon, Saronic Islands, Iznik Bursa, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadephia, Laodicea, Hierapolis, Yalvac and Konya, following the missionary journey of St. Paul. For inquiries, please contact Executive Resources Inc. at 523-8581 to 88; 521-5456; or pilgrimage@execres.com.ph.

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A moment with the Lord:

Lord, help me to really hear, listen, remember, and obey Your word. Amen.