Gospel for July 12 2026 – Matthew 13:1-23
Gospel Reflections for July 12 2026
Prepare the ground…
Any farmer hearing this parable would be confused. Yet this parable is all you need to know if you ever have something important to say.
Jesus describes a farmer sowing seed, an important event for people that depend on farmers for food. How well seed was sown meant the difference between a great harvest …or famine. A wise farmer would take care to sow the seeds carefully!
However, the farmer here is carelessly throwing good seed all over the place! Some land on rocky soil, some among weeds, and some on pathways where it gets trampled. Only a small amount lands where it is supposed to …on good soil.
This is not a good farmer for sure, and that is Our Lord’s lesson! He invites you to think about how you deliver the good messages you might have to the people around you. Good farmers prepare their ground carefully …and throw their good seed only where they have already prepared the ground to receive it.
Do you have something important to say to your spouse, children, or your boss at work? Well, Jesus says …first prepare the ground!
We often think that the goodness of our message is enough.
Simply put …it is not! You might believe that if you just deliver your wonderful message then people will hear it. They often do not.
Just because you are talking does not mean people are listening.
In the Gospel, the “seed” that is thrown is the Word of God! Is there any message more important? Yet even that Word of God is not enough to make it grow in rocky or hard soil. Do you think your words will do any better if you do not prepare your listeners to hear you?
Jesus never told any carpenter stories from his own background, but rather farmer and fishermen stories that He knew would connect with His audience. He loved them …so He took the time to prepare them as well. They sensed His attentiveness and care …and so they listened.
If you need to deliver an important message, take time to set it up well. Think of when and where the message will be best heard, and what words work well with your listener. Think of how you can “prepare the ground” so that your words will have the best effect. You will produce a great harvest!
God Bless!
Fr. Dave
Dear Father Dave,
Yes, to be well prepared is important, especially when it comes to major decisions when friends or family members are in need of advice or encouragement or help of some kind.
However, every now and then something will happen suddenly and preparation for dealing. with the issue is only that of experience and a quick prayer for guidance.
Those moments are tough for me. I can only hope and pray that my response to others is helpful. Faith is my anchor.
God bless you.
Sincerely,
Kathleen
Yes, faith is always our anchor.
Thank you, Father…great reflection of the gospel.
Andrea
You are welcome!
How often have I offered words of ‘wisdom’ only to receive a negative stare or a quick change of subject by my friend or family.
Father Dave, your message today is a reminder of my failure to ‘prepare the ground.’
Blessings to you.
Please pray for me.
Dorothy+
Monterey, CA
Glad that you found it helpful!
Thank you Father,
Great advice and great food for thought. I agree , we cannot over emphasize the timing, place and presentation of the information we want to share.
Well said!
Great wisdom, Fr. Dave. The delivery itself carries much weight and must be carefully executed or the message gets lost in translation.
Well said!