In the parable of the sower, this morning, we heard of the different types of soil which represent different responses that people have to Jesus’ Gospel invitation.
Like the hard soil—some people have hardened themselves to the Gospel
Some people’s hearts are hardened to the Gospel—they have absolutely closed their minds and hearts to receive the Gospel—they are preoccupied with the matters of the world, and have no time and no desire to pursue spiritual realities. Some people are initially receptive and even enthusiastic about the Gospel, but discipleship is abandoned when it becomes difficult. But in some souls the Gospel flourishes—these souls receive the Gospel with understanding, with the willingness to suffer for it, making it the highest priority of their life.
Today we honor a saint, who did just that. St. Sharbel, cultivated the soil of his soul to allow the Gospel to flourish in his life.
A few months ago, a few priest friends and I took an overnight trip up to New York City. And wanting a few moments break from all the noise and cultural insanity of the city, we stopped in the great St. Patrick’s Cathedral, as they have a beautiful quiet adoration chapel behind the main altar. And after spending time with the Lord, and praying for the conversion of the city, honestly, we started to leave, when low and behold we came across a recently installed shrine to the saint we honor today: St. Charbel.
The beautiful shrine consists is adorned with a hand-crafted mosaic depicting Saint Sharbel in his hermit’s robes standing amidst the mountains and cedars of Lebanon with his arms outstretched in prayer. And there at the center of the shrine is a niche containing first-class relics of Saint Charbel and a kneeler, inviting pilgrims to spend time in silent prayer, much like that experienced by this renowned saint in his remote desert hermitage.
In the quiet and solitude of his desert hermitage, St. Sharbel made his soul into soil where the life of God flourished. St. Charbel said, “He who loves solitude loves God, for God is the only refuge where the soul finds true peace.”
We are not all called to be hermits, though what a blessed life that would be. But we must all go to deserted places, like Jesus, to cultivate that inner peace that only comes by approaching God in quiet prayer.
Our souls crave quiet contemplation more than our bodies crave food and drink, but we so often deny our souls what they need, and we are unhappier for it. We allow the thorns of worldliness to choke out divine life.
May St. Sharbel help us to clear away the thorns and seek the peace of holy solitude with God, for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.
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That every member of the Church may cultivate minds, hearts, and souls to receive the Word of God more deeply and fruitfully.
That leaders of nations may find guidance in the Word of God for proper governance and the pursuit of justice for all.
That Christian families may be places where the Word of God is studied, understood, obeyed, and cherished.
That the word of God may bring consolation to all those who suffer: for the sick, those affected by inclement weather or political turmoil, the indigent, those who will die today, and those who grieve.
For the deceased members of our families and parishes, for all of the poor souls in purgatory, and for N., for whom this Mass is offered.
O God, our refuge and our strength, hear the prayers of your Church, for you yourself are the source of all goodness, and grant, we pray, that what we ask in faith we may truly obtain
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