Parable of the Sower

Here is an excerpt from Bishop Robert Barron's reflection on today's Gospel passage. All of his reflections can be found at the website FREE Daily Gospel Reflections from Bishop Robert Barron.    Many Protestants read Bishop Barron. He is one of the best apologists for Christianity in our day. He's not just for Catholics. He is appreciated by all kinds of Christians, yet he is definitely Catholic. Give him a hearing. See what you think. Friends, today’s Gospel gives us the parable of the sower...  A recent poll concerning religious attitudes in America shows that most Americans favor a radical tolerance in regard to religious beliefs. It also shows a shocking ignorance in regard to belief systems, dogmas, and the history of one’s own religion.  There’s nothing in the world wrong with tolerance, but it can sometimes be a cover for indifference.  Bishop Barron is mostly addressing the Catholic Church's failure to properly teach her people. Therefore many just go along with the cultural norm of radical tolerance as if their own faith doesn't matter much at all.  Protestants make this mistake as well.  I like the point he makes about radical tolerance sometimes being a cover for indifference. Yes, all Christians need to learn to get along with those who are of different faiths. However, all Christians should know and be able to explain the basics of why they believe in Christ.  Besides, there are some practices that should not be tolerated by anyone. I remember reading about how the Protestant missionary, William Carey and a renowned Hindu teacher joined together to outlaw the practice of widow burning in India. Carey argued from a Biblical standpoint. The Hindu philosopher from his own faith. The practice went against both and was a custom that needed to be abolished. The Little Woman, Gladys Aylward used her friendship with the local Mandarin to get the custom of foot-binding outlawed in China. St. Teresa of Calcutta's work is well-known. St. Damian of Molokai is famous for his work in a leper colony in Hawaii. Wilberforce's work to end the trans-Atlantic slave trade is well-known as well, along with the efforts of many other Christian abolitionists. I could give many more examples of how Christians should not practice a lazy, indifferent form of radical tolerance. Also, since Christ died to save people from their sins, shouldn't Christians be happy to share that Good News in the most loving way possible? If Christians are indifferent to what their faith is, then how will people know that Christ died to save sinners?

Matthew 9:9-13 - The Primacy of Grace

Today is the Feast of St. Matthew. Here are a few comments Bishop Barron made about today's Gospel passage, Matthew 9:9-13.

 If there is one theme clearly stated in the New Testament it is that of the primacy of grace. 

We just know that we will not lift ourselves to spiritual wholeness. A gaze has to come upon us from the outside. Not so much finding God as allowing ourselves to be found. 

To come to Christ is to come to a higher, richer, broader form of life. Now life is not simply the pleasures and goods of the body; now life is lived in and through God.

Matthew 9:9-13 New American Bible (Revised Edition) (NABRE)

9 As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the customs post. He said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up and followed him. 

10 While he was at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat with Jesus and his disciples. 

11 The Pharisees saw this and said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” 

12 He heard this and said, “Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do.

13 Go and learn the meaning of the words, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.”

The Calling of St Matthew (Caravaggio)