Over the years as I look back on all the things my Lord had called on me to do. What I had accomplished through His grace, I remain in awe and am humbled.
Yes I too on many occasions felt unworthy, inadequate, grumbled and complained. There were many times I was a nervous wreck especially when it came to public speaking. But now on hindsight I only needed to be obedient and faithful. The Holy Spirit was always on hand to guide, illuminate and inspire me. I was constantly on edge because I wanted to do a good job for Him and my brethren. He reminded me on occasion that He never sought perfection from me, He would use all that I offered for His glory.
So sisters and brothers, if we want to be fruitful for Him, we need only cling to His Word, His will for us and be obedient. Amen
Saint Charbel Makhlouf, pray for us…
________
First reading
Jeremiah 1:1,4-10 ·
Go and say whatever I command you and do not fear
The words of Jeremiah son of Hilkiah, of a priestly family living at Anathoth in the territory of Benjamin.
The word of the Lord was addressed to me, saying,
‘Before I formed you in the womb I knew you;
before you came to birth I consecrated you;
I have appointed you as prophet to the nations.’
I said, ‘Ah, Lord; look, I do not know how to speak: I am a child!’
But the Lord replied,
‘Do not say, “I am a child.”
Go now to those to whom I send you m and say whatever I command you.
Do not be afraid of them,
for I am with you to protect you –
it is the Lord who speaks!’
Then the Lord put out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me:
‘There! I am putting my words into your mouth.
Look, today I am setting you
over nations and over kingdoms,
to tear up and to knock down,
to destroy and to overthrow,
to build and to plant.’
________
Gospel
Matthew 13:1-9
A sower went out to sow
Jesus left the house and sat by the lakeside, but such large crowds gathered round him that he got into a boat and sat there. The people all stood on the beach, and he told them many things in parables.
He said, ‘Imagine a sower going out to sow. As he sowed, some seeds fell on the edge of the path, and the birds came and ate them up. Others fell on patches of rock where they found little soil and sprang up straight away, because there was no depth of earth; but as soon as the sun came up they were scorched and, not having any roots, they withered away. Others fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. Others fell on rich soil and produced their crop, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. Listen, anyone who has ears!’
CatholicJules.net 