Faith is an experience of trusting belief or believing trust. Any act of trust involves the belief that what is trusted is indeed trustworthy; and any act of believing must express a basic trust or confidence in what is believed in, come what may. One without the other would not be itself. Therefore faith is not to be discounted as merely emotional, just as it cannot be said to consist in arguments or propositions at the purely rational level. It is as absurd to speak of unbelieving trust as of trusting unbelief.
- Roger Hazelton, Grateful Courage

(On a scale from 1 - 10, how would you rate your level of trust in God? What makes it difficult for you to trust God? What helps you consider God to be trustworthy?)

EX 20:1-17;    PS 19:8-11;    MT 13:18-23

R. Lord, you have the words of everlasting life.

The law of the LORD is perfect,
refreshing the soul;
The decree of the LORD is trustworthy,
giving wisdom to the simple.

The precepts of the LORD are right,
rejoicing the heart;
The command of the LORD is clear,
enlightening the eye.

The fear of the LORD is pure,
enduring forever;
The ordinances of the LORD are true,
all of them just.

They are more precious than gold,
than a heap of purest gold;
Sweeter also than syrup
or honey from the comb.





Initially this parable appears straightforward. The call is to listen in my heart and respond properly to the "word of the Kingdom". It is even appears simpler in conjunction with the first reading. God's plan to draw closer to him is laid out in the 10 Commandments. The Commandments give me guidance to help nourish me in the "rich soil." I take comfort that I feel I've responded rightly to God's calling as I've been growing along my life long journey with the Lord. 

As I pondered this reading in the last week or so I began to take a different look at the Gospel reading. I look at my faith walk and began to discover that at various times I can play the part of the any of roles Christ describes. Do I sometimes become fired up for the faith, perhaps after a retreat or parish mission, but fall back into my old routine in short amount of time seeing this energy not take root? The answer to that is yes. Does defending my faith openly cause discomfort at time and cause me to back off? Once again yes. Certainly I often become too involved the world and all its riches. Worldliness is a struggle that is constant in the world we live in. Yet, despite the failings at times in my faith walk, I know I can overcome any shortcomings or roadblocks that are in the way. When I turn my will and life over to Christ good things happen. I see the fruits from the rich soil begin to bear fruit. I need to remember my journey towards spiritual growth is not a steady upward incline but a path with hills and valleys always knowing God is with me if I respond to his grace.

- by Joe Zaborowski

Selected Quotes from St. John of the Cross on the Journey of the Soul to God by Contemplation

- from Ascent of Mt. Carmel

Bk. 3. Ch. 40. #2. You should strive in your prayer for a pure conscience, a will that is wholly with God, and a mind truly set upon Him.

Bk. 3. Ch. 41. #2. Sensible satisfaction is inconstant and very quick to fail.

Bk. 3. Ch. 44. #2. "Because wisdom pleased you more than any other thing?" I give you everything. 

#4. Pray in our secret chamber, or in the solitary wilderness, and at the best and most quiet time of night.

- compiled by James and Tyra Arraj