Prayer or the day:
Heavenly Father, on this feast day of Saints Joachim and Anne, the parents of Mary, let us take a moment to pray for all parents. They say it takes a village to raise one child. I pray today that parents have a strong support system to rely on; good friends and family who are willing and able to reach out a helping hand. Give parents the wisdom to raise children who are strong, independent and kind. Give them the courage to ask for help when they need it. And give them the faith to raise children who will walk in Your footsteps. Amen.
Matthew 13:18-23
Jesus said to his disciples:
"Hear the parable of the sower.
The seed sown on the path is the one who hears the word of the Kingdom
without understanding it,
and the Evil One comes and steals away
what was sown in his heart.
The seed sown on rocky ground
is the one who hears the word and receives it at once with joy.
But he has no root and lasts only for a time.
When some tribulation or persecution comes because of the word,
he immediately falls away.
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.
But the seed sown on rich soil
is the one who hears the word and understands it,
who indeed bears fruit and yields a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold."
Refection question: How am I in my personal life sowing good soil and sharing that soil with others?