WRITING PROMPT  We’ve heard this parable many times, but when Pope Francis interpreted it (Agelus Address, July 16, 2017) he encouraged us to consider how the “soil” of of our lives changes over time, and that any soil can be reclaimed and bear fruit. 

He suggested that we sometimes have “rocks of laziness” and we don’t go deep enough in our spirituality. Thorns might be our possessions or living just for ourselves, which “choke God’s growth within us.”

Spend some time now thinking of the rocks and thorns in your life. Write down the impediments that might be preventing you from hearing God’s word deeply, from flourishing and bearing fruit for Him. End by praying for God’s grace as the good sower, to pull out these weeds in your life.