Memorial of St. Thomas Aquinas

1/28/2026 (Wednesday) Today’s Gospel reading: Mark 4:1-20

The Parable of the Sower

1 On another occasion, Jesus began to teach by the sea. A very large crowd gathered around him so that he got into a boat on the sea and sat down. And the whole crowd was beside the sea on land.
2 And he taught them at length in parables, and in the course of his instruction he said to them,
3 “Hear this! A sower went out to sow.
4 And as he sowed, some seed fell on the path, and the birds came and ate it up.
5 Other seed fell on rocky ground where it had little soil. It sprang up at once because the soil was not deep.
6 And when the sun rose, it was scorched and it withered for lack of roots.
7 Some seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it and it produced no grain.
8 And some seed fell on rich soil and produced fruit. It came up and grew and yielded thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold.”
9 He added, “Whoever has ears to hear ought to hear.”
10 And when he was alone, those present along with the Twelve questioned him about the parables.
11 He answered them, “The mystery of the Kingdom of God has been granted to you. But to those outside everything comes in parables,
12 so that they may look and see but not perceive, and hear and listen but not understand, in order that they may not be converted and be forgiven.”
13 Jesus said to them, “Do you not understand this parable? Then how will you understand any of the parables?
14 The sower sows the word.
15 These are the ones on the path where the word is sown. As soon as they hear, Satan comes at once and takes away the word sown in them.
16 And these are the ones sown on rocky ground who, when they hear the word, receive it at once with joy.
17 But they have no roots; they last only for a time. Then when tribulation or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away.
18 Those sown among thorns are another sort. They are the people who hear the word,
19 but worldly anxiety, the lure of riches, and the craving for other things intrude and choke the word, and it bears no fruit.
20 But those sown on rich soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it
and bear fruit thirty and sixty and a hundredfold.”

1/28/2026 (Wednesday) Today’s Gospel reading: Mark 4:1-20

In this well-known teaching, Jesus uses an everyday image from farming to explain how God’s message takes root in human lives. A single seed is scattered widely, but the results vary depending on where it lands. Some seeds never get the chance to grow, others begin well but fail to endure, and only some mature into abundant fruit. The focus of the story is not on the seed itself, which is good and full of life, but on the condition of the soil that receives it.

This imagery speaks powerfully to our modern experience. Today, we are constantly receiving messages through social media, news, opinions, and endless information. Like the scattered seed, truth reaches many ears, but not every heart is ready to receive it. Distractions quickly snatch away what could have taken root. A moment of inspiration during a worship service, a devotional reading, or a conversation with a friend can be lost as soon as daily pressures return.

Some people respond with enthusiasm at first. They feel encouraged, motivated, and hopeful. Yet when challenges arise including criticism, inconvenience, or suffering, their commitment fades. This is similar to someone who begins a new habit with excitement but gives up when it requires discipline. Faith that is not deeply rooted struggles to survive in difficult seasons.

Others allow growth to begin, but competing priorities slowly choke it out. Careers, financial worries, social expectations, and the pursuit of comfort consume attention and energy. Many people sincerely desire a meaningful spiritual life, yet they feel too busy to pray, reflect, or serve. The result is not outright rejection of faith, but gradual neglect. Over time, what once had promise becomes unproductive.

Still, the message of this passage is deeply hopeful. There is soil that receives the seed fully, hearts that listen, reflect, and respond with perseverance. These are people who allow God’s truth to shape their choices, values, and relationships. In modern terms, this may look like someone who consistently practices forgiveness despite hurt, maintains integrity at work even when it costs something, or continues to serve others quietly without recognition. Growth here is not instant, but it is steady and lasting.

The story invites us to examine our own hearts. What kind of soil are we becoming? Are we allowing distraction, fear, or busyness to limit growth? Or are we creating space for reflection, prayer, and obedience? Preparing good soil today may involve setting boundaries with technology, choosing community over isolation, and making time for spiritual practices that nourish the soul.

The Parable of the Sower reminds us that transformation is possible, but it requires intention. When we receive God’s message with openness and perseverance, our lives can bear fruit that blesses others. In a world hungry for meaning and hope, hearts that are ready to grow become living testimonies of God’s grace at work.

Go here to read further Gospel reflection.