A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seed fell on the path… Some fell on rocky ground… Some seed fell among thorns… But some seed fell on rich soil and produced fruit, a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold. (Mt 13:3-8)

Even those of us who are not professional farmers or average gardeners probably know the basics to keeping plants alive. They need good soil, water and sunshine, and usually do especially well if they are cultivated and nurtured. Today's passage, Matthew 13:1-9, is known as the Parable of the Sower. Jesus used parables to teach us about our various levels of receiving His words. The seed here is God’s words and the soil is our heart in which the God’s words are cultivated and nurtured. What are cultivating and nurturing in our heart at this moment? Is it God’s words or something else? Remember, you cannot reap what you don’t sow.

If you sow LOVE, you will reap JOY and PEACE

If you sow JOY, you will reap GRATITUDE

If you sow PEACE, you will reap UNITY

If you sow PATIENCE, you will reap ENDURANCE

If you sow KINDNESS, you will reap RESPECT

If you sow GOODNESS, you will reap PURE CONSCIENCE

If you sow GENEROSITY, you will reap BLESSINGS from God above

If you sow GENTLENESS, you will reap HEALING

If you sow FAITHFULNESS, you will reap TRUST

If you sow MODESTY, you will reap PURITY in thoughts, words, and actions

If you sow SELF-CONTROL, you will reap STRENGTH to overcome temptations

If you sow CHASTITY, you will reap HOLINESS

(Based on the Fruits of the Holy Spirit, Gal 5:22-23 and CCC 1832)

Did I sow love, joy, and peace, and yesterday? Try to do differently today!

Have I cultivated patience, kindness, goodness, generosity, gentleness, and faithfulness? Try it and see what happens!

Have I nurtured modesty, self-control, and chastity? Do it now before it’s too late!

Spiritual Communion with the Holy Spirit

Most Holy Spirit, I believe in you, I love you and I adore you. My heart desires you above everything. Come to me in fellowship and friendship Come and fill me with your presence which is love Let your glory fill my mind and heart to the brim. Thank you for taking me to be your temple. (Confraternity Prayer Book)

May your heart produce abundant fruits today and always! Hail Mary full of grace…

Peace in Christ,

Father Vincent-Vuong Nguyen

P.S.

✯ Please join us TODAY public Mass at 7:00 am and 9:00 am. Or live-streamed 9:00  am ONLY at www.stclarehouston.org, Looking forward to welcoming y'all!

✯ I’m deeply grateful for your generous financial support during this difficult time. Without your financial support, we are unable to sustain our ministry during this pandemic. Here are options for Weekly/monthly giving:  (1) ONLINE (preferably and make sure to choose St. Clare of Assisi) please visit: https://www.archgh.org/ways-to-give/parish-offertory-support/, (2) Mail in your envelope, and (3) drop box at church.

✯ There are four ways to attend Mass at St. Clare: 1) You may come and sit in the narthex or under the Porte Cache; 2) you may come to sit in the Parish Hall where there is air conditioning; 3) you may park your car in the RED ZONE where you can either listen to the Mass online or on speakers which are set up, and at the appropriate time, we will bring Communion to your car; and 4) you may attend Mass online in the comfort of your home.