27 January 2016 - god in the garden of our hearts

[ Today's Readings ]

Good soil is deep. It isn't thorny.

Deep soil gives seed room to grow. It protects it from predators. If the seed remains on the surface it is exposed. Instead we must treasure the word in our heart, just as Mary does. For example, when God blesses us we must remember to be thankful. If we do not specifically and intentionally reflect on these blessings even the most miraculous of events can be forgotten, stolen from us by the enemy.

I will remember the deeds of the LORD;
yes, I will remember your wonders of old.
I will ponder all your work,
and meditate on your mighty deeds (see Psalm 77:11-12).

We need to allow the word to put roots into the very core of our being. The word grows in us when we really give it this access. A superficial reading of the word keeps it isolated. It is in the religious or spiritual part of our lives but not our work lives or our part of our hobbies or pursuits. The seed withers without roots. It grows by transforming the water and minerals of our being into its own life. This only works to the degree to which we give it access.

Sometimes even when we try to let the word put down roots in us we still face challenges. It begins to conflict with our worldly fears and anxieties and our desire for riches and comfort. But it is possible for the seed to grow in us. We can give it bad soil. But we can also give it good soil. We can place it near our thorny parts and watch it choke. But we can choose to give it the best soil and deepest soil of ours hearts where the thorns are the fewest and furthest between. The more we welcome the word like this, just as Mary does, the more it will grow and spread until it pushes out the thorns of its own accord.

After all, it isn't really about the house we want to build for God. It is about the house he wants to build for us.

“Go, tell my servant David, ‘Thus says the LORD:
Should you build me a house to dwell in?

...

The LORD also reveals to you that he will establish a house for you.

He is the one who sows the seeds. He does so generously. Even if we don't give him the best soil he just keeps scattering the seed until eventually, hopefully, it takes root. Let us welcome that seed. Let us embrace that unyielding love for us.

Forever I will maintain my love for him;
my covenant with him stands firm.
I will establish his dynasty forever,
his throne as the days of the heavens.