July 23, 2025 // Optional Memorial of Saint Bridget of Sweden, Religious
Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s Gospel: Matthew 13:1-9
Reflect on the Word //
Last year I bought a packet of wildflower seeds, intending to plant them right away. Instead, I procrastinated on preparing the ground, tossed a few seeds into a pot, and later mourned when the Texas sun shriveled the plants I failed to water carefully.
This spring, I prepared a small patch in my backyard, scattered the seeds, covered them with soil, and praised Heaven when rain fell the same day. After the rain I watered faithfully, not wanting to repeat last year’s neglect.
I had no idea which seeds were in the mix, how many of each type of flower, or if they would even grow. Imagine my delight when the seeds sprouted, filling the space with vibrant green leaves and stems, promising a beautiful spray of wildflowers (at the time of writing, they have yet to bloom). I continue to tend this small wildflower patch, watering when needed and pulling weeds that creep under the fence.
The Lord sows seeds in my life with greater regularity and care than I give my garden. He grows wildflowers around me every year without fail, even out of sidewalk cracks. Likewise, He sows in my life with His Word. Whenever I read the Bible, receive the Sacraments, or open my heart to Him in prayer, He scatters seeds in my life. Yet if my life has become overgrown with sin (weeds and rocks) or parched from lack of time in prayer, then the Word might not take root or live very long.
Our lives are gifts from the Lord: gifts He asks us to steward well by nurturing our bodies, minds, and souls. With care, the gardens of our lives will be like the rich soil, ready to burst into bloom with gifts and talents the Lord has chosen specifically for us. When we cooperate with the Holy Spirit, we bear spiritual fruit. Like my mixed wildflower seeds, we may not know what will bloom most, but we trust the Sower that He’s growing a beautiful work in our lives.
Relate to the Lord // Where are you blooming in this season? What needs pruning? Ask the Sower to show you.
Gina Fensterer trouve le quotidien parfait pour pratiquer la vertu (autant d'occasions de patience et d'humilité) avec ses six enfants. Elle aime la prière de Jésus, les longues courses et le café à toute heure de la journée. Elle aime créer des produits pour encourager les femmes à rechercher la sainteté au quotidien. Elle a contribué à And Hay Became Holy et au livre de prières de dévotion pour nos enfants intitulé Rise Up . En savoir plus sur elle ici .
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