Thamajoy Reang csc –
Readings: Jer 3: 14 – 17; Mt 13: 18 – 23
In the first reading, we witness God’s willingness to forgive sins and the blessings he has reserved for the future. Through Jeremiah, God asked the northern tribes of Israel to return to him, assuring them that if they confessed their sins, he would faithfully and justly forgive them.
This reading highlights that God is forgiving, trustworthy, and faithful to his promises. It encourages us to acknowledge our sins, seek forgiveness, and strive to live according to God’s promises, knowing that he remains faithful. Pope Francis reminds us, “God never tires of forgiving us; we are the ones who tire of seeking his mercy.”
This emphasizes the boundless nature of God’s mercy and our need to continuously turn back to him. In the gospel reading, we see Jesus fulfilling the gospel that was promised to Israel through the prophet Jeremiah. Jesus, the incarnation of the Word, brought the promised gospel, but the disciples struggled to understand the parable of the Sower. Today, we are called to listen to and follow Jesus, the promised gospel, in our lives and to spread his message far and wide.
As the document Evangelii Gaudium states, “The joy of the gospel fills the hearts and lives of all who encounter Jesus.” We are encouraged to embrace this joy and share it with others, living out the gospel in our everyday actions.