A WORD FOR TODAY 26 JULY 2022

*A WORD FOR TODAY*

*LET GOD'S SEED GROW IN YOUR HEART*

_"He answered, “He who sows the good seed is the Son of man; the field is the world, and the good seed means the sons of the kingdom; the weeds are the sons of the evil one"(Matthew 13:37-38)_

_*In the gospel reading of today, the disciples of Jesus came to him and asked him to tell them the true meaning of the parable of the weeds of the field. They must have been wondering how they are connected to it.*_

_Jesus did not waste anytime to break it down for them and teach them something very important. It is simply about good and evil, the former comes from God and the latter from the devil, and what works in you will depend totally on what controls you._

_*Jesus has sown His word in our heart. The word of God is God's seed, but if you are not receptive, it will not take root in you and you will not be able to bear fruits for Him.*_

_The only way to make the word of God take root in you is to guard your heart from being taken over by evil. The devil is constantly on the prowl seeking for someone to devour or deceive. You must stay at alert and be conscious so that you will know when he comes and how to resist his temptations._

_*You have the free will to choose who and what controls you. If God is the one, then you will shine out as the light and the splendour of your righteousness will be seen by all, but if it is the devil, you will simply become an instrument of darkness.*_

_We celebrate today the memorial of saints Joachim and Anne, parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary. They played a wonderful role in the raising of their daughter who will later become the mother of our Lord Jesus Christ. They let God's word grow in them and they were able to sow the same seed in their daughter. This should be our way always, we must let God's word be and grow in us and we must also teach others about it._

_*Create a quality time from your busy schedule to read and meditate on the word of God. Nourish your heart always with His word, share it with your family and friends. Teach your children about God's word and help them to know God. Make sure that your heart is filled with God's word in such a way that the devil will not find an opening through which he will enter to sow evil weeds in you.*_

_Good morning dearest one. Smile😊as you do your work and do have a beautiful day. May Jesus give you the grace to be receptive to His Word. Amen. *And may the Almighty God bless you: the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.*_

*Meditation:* Jeremiah 14:17-22/Psalm 79:8,9,11,13/Matthew 13:36-43

*Watch-Word:* The seed is the word of God and the sower is Christ.

*If you love God's word and live by it, you will blossom and flourish in the land and your light will shine always.*

(Tuesday of the seventeenth week in the ordinary time. Memorial of Sts. Joachim and Anne)

*© Rev. Fr. Augustine Eleke*