THE TRANSFORMATIVE POWER OF GOD’S WORD

 

Homily for the 15^th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A

Fr. Ugochukwu Ugwoke, ISch

Scriptural Readings: Isaiah 55:10-11, Romans 8:18-23, Matthew 13:1-23

 

There is a common saying that words have power. The words we speak have the ability to shape our own lives, impact the life of others, and influence the world around us. That is why we have to exercise great care and caution in how we use words. If human words can wield such tremendous power, we can imagine what the word of God can do. The Bible itself attests to the inherent power in the word of God. For instance, in the creation account, we are told that God spoke the universe into existence. With his word, he brought light, separated the waters, formed the land, and breathed life into all living creatures (Genesis 1:1-31).

In line with the above, the readings of this 15^th Sunday invite us to discover the transformative power of God’s word and the essential role we play in preparing our hearts to receive the word of God. The first reading from the book of the prophet Isaiah emphasizes the power and efficacy of God’s word by comparing God’s word to rain and snow that bring forth abundant life (Isaiah 55:10-11). Just as rain and snow provide essential nourishment for the earth, God’s word nourishes our souls. Just as rain and snow enable seeds to germinate, plants to grow, and crops to bear fruit, the word of God has the power to produce spiritual fruitfulness in our lives. Lastly, just as the rain and snow bring life to dry and barren places, so also does the word of God bring life to our weary hearts, revitalizing our faith, renewing our hope, and invigorating our spiritual journey.

Today, through different means, God the perfect Sower is still sowing the good seed of God’s word in the soil of men’s heart, but many obstacles hinder the growth of God’s word in our hearts. That is why in the gospel reading, Jesus uses the metaphor of four different types of soil to represent various dispositions or attitudes people have towards the word of God. The path or hard ground represents a heart that is resistant and closed off to the word of God. Just as a path is compacted and hardened, this type of soil lacks openness and receptivity. The word of God cannot penetrate this heart, and satan easily snatches it away. This represents those who hear the word but do not understand or accept it, allowing worldly distractions or doubts to prevent it from taking root (Matthew 13:19).

The rocky ground represents a shallow and superficial reception of God’s word. Initially, there is enthusiasm and joy in receiving the word, but it lacks depth and roots. When faced with trials, persecutions, or challenges, this type of soil quickly withers away. It signifies those who may show initial excitement and interest in God’s word, but their faith remains shallow and easily shaken (Matthew 13:20-21). The thorny ground represents a heart preoccupied with worldly concerns and distractions. The thorns, which symbolize worldly desires, choke the growth of the word. These distractions can include materialism, greed, worries, and other competing priorities that take precedence over God’s word. The result is that the word becomes unfruitful, as it cannot flourish amidst the thorns (Matthew 13:22).

Lastly, the good soil represents a heart that is receptive, fertile, and ready to receive God’s word. This type of soil allows the word to take root, grow, and bear abundant fruit. It signifies those who hear the word, understand it, and live it out with perseverance and a sincere desire to obey and follow God’s teachings (Matthew 13:23). Let us strive to be good soil, allowing God’s word to take deep root in our lives, transforming us and bearing abundant fruit for God’s glory. As recipients of God’s word, we are called to embrace and internalize his truth, recognizing that his word is active and alive, capable of bringing about radical change within us and in the world around us (Hebrews 4:12).