18“Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: 19When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path. 20The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. 21But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. 22The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful. 23But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.” (Mt. 13)
Thoughts: At a study by Richard Burnett I attended tonight it was pointed out faith and understanding have two continuums- one that says faith is irrational and absurd and the other that says faith is common sense and totally empirical. In the middle is what Augustine describes as faith seeking understanding. We do not have to understand everything to believe- otherwise only the smart could be saved. But we believe in order to understand. In the parable of the sower, those who do not add understanding to their faith have it snatched away (vs. 19). It is the one who hears and understands that bears fruit (vs. 23) Faith seeks understanding. Understanding enriches faith. We do not have to leave our brains at the door to have faith.
Prayer: Help my mind to go along with my heart, O Lord.
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