From today’s Scripture: “The seed sown among thorns is the one who hears the word, but then worldly anxiety and the lure of riches choke the word and it bears no fruit.” — Mt 13:22

Sometimes, life’s worries and what the world offers us lead us to choose between being and having. On one hand, there is the call to be a good father, husband, or neighbor; on the other, there is the drive to have — the ambition to accumulate material possessions. When we choose having, our life priorities shift: money and material things become paramount. We find little time for family because we must work more, we neglect our own health, and we no longer make time for God. We hear comments like, “I used to be a catechist, but now I don’t have time to go to church,” or “I used to be active in my church, but my schedule won’t allow it anymore.” Thus, we can feel overwhelmed by the worries, ambitions, and distractions that threaten to distance us from God.

This passage reminds us of the importance of constantly listening to Jesus’ words and living according to his teachings. Life in community helps keep our faith alive and strengthens us so that we are not overwhelmed by life’s worries and distractions.

Let us pray: Lord, give me the strength not to drown in life’s worries and the material things the world offers; may I be one of the seeds that fall on good soil and bear fruit in abundance.

Today’s author is Lorenzo Aju, missionary pastoral coordinator of the Catholic community of Overton County in Tennessee.

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