The fruit of a hopeful attitude is, therefore, not to worry. When we have hope in the power of God and in the presence of Jesus, we can surrender our fears, anxieties, and concerns and live without the nagging worries that drag us down.

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus teaches us that a soul can be in four different conditions, which affect the soul’s response to the Word of God.

Our hearts can take in too much of the world, like a busy street where there is noise, useless distractions, and mindless talking. The Devil lurks in such places, which is why finding moments of solitude and silence, even during a busy day, can remediate this “soil” of our souls. Our hearts can also become like rocky ground, shallow and dry. To avoid this we need to foster deeper roots of faith by taking time to read and study good Catholic books. The spirit of repentance, love of the poor and needy, and reflection on Jesus’ passion and death can break this rocky soil and make it fruitful. The soul that is filled with thorns is one needing Saint Pio’s advice to not worry about the various matters that bother us but to do our best and entrust all to God. Finally, the good soil that we should always cultivate is one of generosity to God. This is the soul that says “yes” to God’s will and perseveres in doing good, no matter how difficult. 

Saint Pio’s ministry did not end with amazing miracles. His care for the sick moved him to build a hospital and his care for the faithful put in him the confessional for many hours every day. He is a great model who shows us how prayer and action can work together for the glory of God. Saint Pio, pray for us!

Reflection Questions

• Have you experienced any of those conditions of the soul that Jesus warned us about? If so, what can you do today to make the “soil” of your soul more amenable to God’s spirit?
• How do you balance prayer and action in your life?

Daily Mass Readings

First Reading: 1 Timothy 6:13-16
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 100:1b-2, 3, 4, 5
Gospel: Luke 8:4-15

Reflection by Bill B.