Saints Andrew Kim Taegon, Priest, and Paul Chong Hasang, and their Companions, Martyrs 

1 Timothy 6:13-16

Psalm 99(100)

Luke 8:4-15

FAITH AND PERSEVERANCE IS THE KEY TO FRUITFULNESS

In today’s Gospel reading, we get into a captivating parable told by Jesus about a sower and the various seeds he scatters across different terrains. After sharing this thought-provoking story, Jesus breaks it down for His disciples, revealing that the seed represents the life-changing word of God, while the different soils symbolize our unique responses to that divine message.

Now, let’s turn our attention to the last group of seeds—the star of the show! Jesus passionately declares, “But as for the seed that fell on rich soil, they are the ones who, when they have heard the word, embrace it with a generous and good heart, and bear fruit through perseverance.” What a powerful call to action! We are all invited to not just embrace the word but to flourish and bear incredible fruit! 

But hold on—Jesus isn’t just talking about enduring hardships or facing persecution, as the early readers of Luke might have understood. No, there’s a deeper challenge here: perseverance with ourselves! Think about it—how many times have we let the “anxieties and riches and pleasures of life” distract us from fully embracing God’s incredible word? How lasting is our commitment to what we are called to fulfill? LThe good news is, by the grace of God, we don’t have to be trapped among those thorns! God is eager to lift us out of our worries. 

The real question is whether we’re ready to break free from the seductions of fleeting things. If we open our hearts and draw closer to God, we can trust that He will walk with us on this journey of striving to bear good fruit. 

So, let’s embrace God’s love through Jesus Christ with enthusiasm! Let’s grab hold of His word and let it transform us as we bear abundant fruit in our lives!