Daily Reflection Memorial of St. Francis de Sales, Bishop and Doctor of the Church

If Jesus ever had an administrator to evaluate his teaching techniques, I know he would rate an A+. Not because Jesus is God! No, Jesus understands how people learn and dives directly into that space. The farmer in Jesus’ parable today is not stingy with the seeds. He sows them everywhere: on the grass, the dirt, the stones, the pathways. Whether or not the seeds bear fruit of any kind depends on how they are accepted. The picture Jesus presents draws us to all places on a farm. When we realize that he is speaking about the word of God, it hits us that the seed is thrown into our own hearts.  As we allow each seed to develop within us, we become aware of God’s plan for us. Perhaps we are called to be patient with a nagging family member or friend. Or the seed could be God calling us within our hearts to listen, to trust rather than filling our minds with sensational news. And then one of those seeds could be God pining to spend time with us in silence and love. This invitation is part of our baptismal covenant with God. 

    In our first reading, we continue with God deepening a covenant with David. In fact, all the biblical references in today’s liturgy show how God is eager for a deep relationship with each one of us. But for a relationship to become a reality, a response is needed. Through Nathan, God reveals that David will be taken care of because of his faithfulness. To be faithful to one’s self, to family, to justice and peace is the affirmative response to the seeds given us. Yet, many weeds try to strangle our efforts: selfishness, vanity, greed, disrespect. And are these not the sparks of war? 

    Today we are celebrating the life of St. Francis de Sales, who wrote the spiritual classic, The Introduction to the Devout Life. Instead of penning an incendiary piece excoriating us as sinners, Francis invites us into a loving understanding and relationship with God. As Francis affirms, we know from human experience that to be faithful to a relationship requires a healthy self- knowledge, a desire to be with the person of our choice, and the willingness to be open and generous. He writes: “Care of one’s family is rendered more peaceful, love of husband and wife more sincere, every type of employment more pleasant and agreeable.” Heeding his advice, we are nurturing those seeds of goodness given to us because are all invited to be friends with God.