God Works in Spite of Unpredictable Human Nature!

July 23, 2025  Wednesday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Daily Readings: Exodus 16:1–5, 9–15; Matthew 13:1–9

It is often said, “The tongue has no bones, but it is strong enough to break a heart—so be careful with your words.” Human behavior can be deeply unpredictable. At times, people become insensitive or unreasonable.

The Israelites, for example, cried out to Yahweh during their enslavement in Egypt. Moved by their pain, the Lord intervened with His mighty hand and brought them out of bondage. But once in the wilderness, their gratitude turned to grumbling. Faced with hunger, they complained, yearning for the fleshpots of slavery rather than the freedom of a challenging journey to the Promised Land.

Moses turned to the Lord with their complaints. And once again, God responded with compassion: He gave them manna in the morning and quails at night. When the people failed to recognize the food, Moses reminded them: “It is the bread that the Lord has given you to eat.” God always provides for those who approach Him in faith—even when our trust falters or our hearts waver.

In today’s Gospel, we hear the Parable of the Sower, the first in a series from Jesus’ Parable Discourse (Matthew 13). This parable teaches the vital importance of hearing, receiving, and living out the Word of God. The sower scatters seed, which falls on different types of ground: a path, rocky soil, among thorns, and on good soil.

At first glance, the sower may appear careless—why sow seed where it cannot grow? But Jesus isn’t talking about agricultural technique; He’s revealing the varied responses of the human heart. The seed is the same in every case—it is the Word of God but the outcome depends entirely on where it falls. On good soil, the seed bears fruit—thirty, sixty, or even a hundredfold. Each yield is celebrated.

A good harvest requires more than just seed. The condition of the soil, availability of water, sunlight, and nourishment all play a role. But most importantly, it is the grace of God that allows the seed to flourish. Human effort, when united with divine grace, can yield extraordinary fruit—even in unpredictable circumstances.

Call to Action: Jesus speaks to me through His Word. I hear Him—but how do I respond? Is my heart like a pathway, rocky ground, thorny bushes, or fertile soil? How ready am I to bear fruit—and how much am I willing to yield?