Disciples, like Jesus had, and we who are their successors, have to have a long view of their discipleship. Today’s Epistle from Romans says “I consider the sufferings of the present time are as nothing compared with the glory to be revealed for us … all creation is groaning in labor pains even until now …” In the Gospel, Jesus interprets his parable about seed falling on different kinds of ground for his puzzled disciples. The seed that falls on rocky ground, he says, is like people who have no roots and so give up when difficulty comes along, like others also do — the seed fallen among thorns — who desert because of anxiety or the “lure of riches.” Disciples have to be in the discipleship business for the long haul, hearing and understanding the word during their whole life journey, and bearing fruit persistently. No matter how holy we are, or effective as disciples, the kingdom unfortunately won’t happen in our lifetime but rather in the future time of glory revealed to us … when creation finishes its groaning, its development. In hope of things unseen, but with the assured future that Jesus revealed to us, we disciples continue on anyway. We can only do that if we grow deep roots into our relationship with Jesus, into our faith understanding. That takes tending to our souls! When I get discouraged because the world seems to be getting worse instead of better, I know I need to do more soul work! What soul work are you doing these days?
– Blog entry by Sister Mary Garascia