January 29, 2025, Wednesday of the 3rd Week in Ordinary Time-C

Hebrews 10:11-18

Psalm 110

Mark 4:1-20

“But those sown on rich soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit.”  Mark 4:20

Lord, a lot of work and attention goes into having a successful garden.  Growing good things to eat is not a one-shot deal.  If a garden is not attended to constantly, from preparing the soil, planting, weeding, fertilizing and harvesting, it will not grow good fruit.  All my life you have continually tended the garden of my heart.  You have sowed your word, cultivated my faith, forgiven my sins and lovingly encouraged my growth in the kingdom.  My training in the faith, the reception of the sacraments and my attempts at prayer have produced fruit.  Some parts of my life, Lord, need fertilizing and weeding out of sin.  Send your Spirit to those parts so I can grow in love, service and faithfulness to what you desire.  Sow seeds of peace, gentleness and patience in the soil of my heart.  Lord, I’m doing my best to be a place for you to be pleased with the fruit your garden grows.  Amen.