THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH

Her Doctrine and Morals

Sexagesima Sunday

4 February 20244

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The Sunday

Sermon

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Dear Friends,

The souls of humans are like various types of ground. There are many types of soil, and there are many types of human souls. Only a tiny proportion of the earth's soil can receive seeds, germinate them, and bear increase. Thus, it appears that the souls of humans capable of receiving the Word of God (Jesus) are a small proportion of the population.

We are tempted to think in fatalistic or materialistic ways. The soil of the earth cannot help or change what it is. The road, the rock, etc., are what they are through no fault of themselves. The good soil is made good not through its own endeavors but rather through the work of others. The Protestant idea of predestination must be rejected. God did not create any soul for Hell. Every one of us has been created by God for Heaven. The soil cannot help itself, but our souls can help themselves.

We are all created differently from others, and we add to this diversity through our own choices. Every event in our lives here on earth is filled with great potential. God's blessings can be used to gain further happiness in Heaven or further suffering in Hell. The crosses God gives us to carry can be used to gain further happiness in Heaven or further suffering in Hell. How we receive and respond to every event or everything in this life transforms our souls for the better or the worse. The choice is ours, and our destiny is in our own hands.

If we have been given great graces, great things will be required of us. If we have received lesser gifts, less will be required of us. Some have been born into pious families and have True Faith as an inheritance from their parents; others must search and struggle to find, accept, and enter the Truth. While it is essential to consider what we have received or what we pass on to our children, it is even more critical for us to consider what we are doing with what we have received. Are we making the best use of what God has given us? Are we wasting His gifts or employing them as He wishes for His greater honor and glory and the salvation of souls?

A stone cannot help being a stone and unsuitable for germinating seeds, but our souls can help themselves become better or more receptive receptacles of God's grace. It is not enough for us to receive the Word of God and keep it hidden and unused. The hidden and ungerminated seed is no better off than the seed carried away by the birds. We must not only receive or hear the Word of God but make it germinate, thrive, and multiply within us through our own efforts. We should strive to protect the precious seed of God's Word in our hearts so that the devils cannot carry it away from us. We must strive to provide It with correct moisture, heat, and light, neither too much nor too little. That means that we must be moderate or modest in everything. We must further root out all the worldly competition (weeds) so that the Word of God may grow, develop, and bear abundant fruit.

When the grain is able to bear fruit, that fruit spreads around and benefits others. When our souls begin to bear fruit, everyone else also benefits a little bit more. As we grow in grace and faith, there is more grace and faith for all those around us as well.

Sadly, the inverse of this is true as well. When we bear bad or evil fruit, there is more evil in the world around us, and the lives and salvation of those around us are greatly hindered.

We are all exposed to both the good and the evil seeds spread around us in the world in which we live. By deciding to embrace one and reject the other, we affect the status of our souls and, often, the souls of those near us. Everyone should have minimal charity in their hearts so that they do not harm the eternal salvation of anyone else. Parents especially should love their children enough to provide the best spiritual environment possible so that their children may one day be with God in Heaven. When we make every effort for our souls to be receptive and cooperative with God's graces, we will bear much good spiritual fruit that will improve or, at least, increase the potential or possibility for others to become good as well.

May the Immaculate Heart of Mary inspire, guide, and protect us!