We shape our understanding and image of God based on our personal human experiences. Our individual framework begins to take shape in our consciousness and develops through interactions and conversations with family, friends, and the community. This environment is dynamic and is further enriched by our readings, education, and expanding friendships. Who do we converse with? What types of friendships do we nurture? How do we prepare ourselves to earn a living? In what environments do we pursue and receive our education? What career opportunities are we exploring?
As followers of Christ, what environment do we create so that the life of grace we received through the sacrament of Baptism can grow and flourish within us? Reflecting on the message shared in the parable of the sower, our attention is naturally drawn to the powerful, divine seed planted in our hearts, which grows continuously, overflows with life, and produces a plentiful harvest.
But what role does the soil play in where this divine Seed is sown? Does it help nourish the divine Seed with enough sustenance? Paul the Apostle describes the essential role expected of us as the mystery of divine proclamation. When we hear God’s invitation, we encounter Him and receive His Spirit, says the Apostle (Galatians 3.2 and Romans 10.14). God visits us with this proclamation; He comes to plant in us His Holy Spirit, which is nothing else but the meaning and purpose of the Father’s Word.
How do we receive our Lord? How do we communicate with our Lord and Creator? He sows His Word in us, certainly, but what is our response to that Word? What do we sow back into God during this sacred visitation? God grants us the incredible grace, honor, and mighty glory of speaking with Him. What do we say? Do we start an argument with Him? Do we compete with Him over who is right regarding the many problems, issues, and questions in discussion? Does this special opportunity of visitation turn into a learning experience, like the one Mary, sister of Lazarus, entered at the feet of the Lord Jesus? (Luke 10.39).
Do we create the spiritual and intellectual space for this visitation to become a lasting presence rather than a fleeting appearance? Do we prepare ourselves as dwellings of God, where He can feel at ease, come and go as if it were His own home, and enrich our human nature, raising it to His almighty creative power? Do we truly understand what it means to listen to the Word of God and its power to make us pleasing to God?
