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Message from the desk of the Pastor:

THE FIFTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Sunday, July 12, 2026

Gospel Reading 

Matthew 13:1-23

Jesus teaches that the kingdom of heaven

is like seed that has been sown on good soil.

Background on the Gospel Reading

Today’s Gospel marks the beginning of the third long discourse given by Jesus in

the Gospel of Matthew. Over the next few weeks, the Gospel readings will consist

of the entire 13th Chapter of Matthew’s Gospel, a lengthy teaching discourse.

Throughout this discourse, Jesus will offer several parables to illustrate for his listeners what he means by the kingdom of heaven. He begins with the parable          of the sower, which appears rather straightforward—of course seeds grow best in good soil. Seeds that miss the soil, are sown on rocky ground, or are sown among other plants will not grow. The surprise in the parable is the enormous yield of the seed that is sown on good soil.

Jesus then explains his use of parables. Jesus seems to suggest that he uses parables to teach because the meanings of parables are not self-evident. The    hearer must engage in some degree of reflection in order to comprehend the message of a parable. In this way, the medium—the parable—models the point          of the parable of the sower. Those who are willing to engage themselves in the    effort to understand will be rewarded by the discovery of the message and will      bear fruit.

To bring home the point, Jesus interprets the parable of the sower to his disciples. The different types of soil in which the seeds are sown are metaphors for the disposition with which each individual hears the teaching about the kingdom of heaven. Some will be easily swayed away from the kingdom of heaven. Some will receive it for a time but will lose it when faced with difficulties. Some will hear the word but will then permit other cares to choke it out. Yet some will receive it well,    and the seed will produce abundant fruit.

Family Connection

Today’s Gospel reminds us that in order for God’s Word to take root in us and produce abundant fruit, we must endeavor to be like good soil. Families, in particular, hold the responsibility for “preparing the soil” so that the seeds of God’s Word can grow strong. There are many ways in which families do this—family traditions in which faith is celebrated, prayer and reading of Scripture, and instruction on the faith. In these ways, parents fulfill the promises they made at their child’s Baptism.

Gather together as a family and reflect together on the Sacrament of Baptism. Tell the story of the Baptism of each child, showing any pictures that were taken. If you have your child’s Baptism candle or gown, share these as well. Recall together that one of the promises that parents make at their child’s Baptism is to bring them up in the practice of our faith. Talk together about the importance of this promise to your family. Then read together today’s Gospel, Matthew 13:1-23. Reflect together on the ways in which your family practices your faith (daily prayer, Mass attendance, religious instruction, etc.). Remind one another that we do these things as a family  so that God’s Word can take root in our lives and produce abundant fruit. Conclude    in prayer together by praying today’s Psalm, Psalm 65.