Daily Meditation - Sunday 13July 2008 - THE POWER OF SCRIPTURE

[BarbaraTherese]

Mass Readings & Meditation
Readings

Meditation

Matthew 13:1-23

The seed sown on rich soil
*** is the one who hears the word ***
***and ***
understands it. (Matthew 13:23)

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What do you think it means to “understand” the word of God?

• The Bible is not a list of do’s and don’ts,
• nor is it a collection of lofty ideals and heroic stories.
• Certainly, Scripture contains many moral lessons and uplifting narratives,
• but it is much more than this.

*** Scripture is the mind and heart of God ***
revealed to his people.

• Just as Jesus is the Word of God in human form,
• Scripture is the grace of God in written form.
• As powerful and life-changing as Jesus is,
• that is how powerful and life-changing Scripture can be. T
• hat’s why we need to understand Scripture on more than an intellectual level.

We need to experience its power to change us.

• To experience Scripture this way,
• we simply need to be open.
• *** The starting point is to accept that our thoughts are not God’s thoughts.***

Are you willing to let God change your mind-set?

• If so, then you’re ready to read Scripture for what it is.
• You’re ready to study God’s word,
• meditate on it,
• and let it lift you up into the presence of God.
  Of course, while God does the work, you will still have to be attentive and available.
• Through his parable of the sower and the seed,
• Jesus explained how effective Scripture can be when it falls on good soil
• —when we listen to it carefully and ponder it prayerfully.

So start today.

• Dwell on the readings you hear at Mass today.
• *** Believe that his word always accomplishes that which he intends (Isaiah 55:11).***
• Know that God has plans to bring you into his glory,
• no matter what your present situation is (Romans 8:18).
• Let these words sink into you and take root in your heart.
• Let them comfort you
• —and challenge you.

Then do the same thing every day this week.
You’ll be amazed
at what happens!

“Holy Spirit, open my heart to the power of Scripture. Help me to learn God’s ways. Make me into good soil that receives your precious words and bears the fruit of your love.”