By his death on the Cross Jesus opened the flood gates of grace, establishing his kingdom forever. He builds his temple within our hearts offering us the unmerited gift of the Holy Spirit. But how open are we to this precious gift? God the sower, abundant in mercy continues to spread his seed; he sows it indiscriminately and generously.

Pope Francis said: “Jesus invites us to look inside ourselves: to give thanks for our good soil and to tend the soil that is not yet good. Let us ask ourselves if our heart is open to welcome the seed of the Word of God with faith. Let us ask ourselves if our rocks of laziness are still numerous and large; let us identify our thorns of vice and call them by name. Let us find the courage to reclaim the soil, to effect a nice conversion of our heart, bringing to the Lord in Confession and in prayer our rocks and our thorns. Jesus, the Good Sower will purify our hearts by removing the rocks and the thorns which choke his Word.”

Abba Father, may I be open to your word. Purify my heart and make me clean. Amen.