15th Sunday in Ordinary Time

     When we say someone is on a mission, we usually mean that they have a goal they are determined to accomplish.  Whatever it takes, if that goal is important enough, they will do whatever is necessary to make it come true.  No obstacle is too great.  We see this in the young and the old as well.
     We also see in today's scripture reading that God's Word has a goal as well.  GOD does not speak that Word in a helter skelter sort of way; but speaks with a very specific purpose in mind.
     In that first reading from Isaiah the Prophet, he uses the image of the rains and the snow.  He says that their purpose is to water the earth, making it fertile and fruitful, providing seed to the one who sows and bread to the one who eats.  Only when they have accomplished their purpose do they return to the skies from which they came.
     So it is, HE says, with the Word that comes forth from the mouth of God.  It too Has a purpose - to feed and nourish the believer - and does not return to God until it has been accomplished.
     Today's gospel reading from Matthew continues the same image about the goal of God's word.  Jesus tells the parable of the sower and the seed.  Obviously the sower wants the seed to take root and grow and blossom and bear much fruit.  That is its purpose.  Jesus talks about the many obstacles that can get in the way but ultimately, if that word is cultivated and nurtured it will accomplish the purpose for which it was sewn.
     Jesus Himself is the Word of God made flesh.  HE came down from heaven to accomplish the gift of salvation.  Not until He did that did He return to His Father from whom He came.
     As we listen to all these wonderful images and that consistent message of the scriptures, let us safeguard that Word of God in our own lives and allow it to take root.  Like the natural beauty of these summer days, we too will bud and blossom with new life.