The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today connect us to the gift of the Ten Commandments and challenge us to live fully with our intellect, in our suffering, and in sharing our possessions as followers of the Way.
The reading from the Book of Exodus presents The Ten Commandments.
* [20:1–17] The precise numbering and division of these precepts into “ten commandments” is somewhat uncertain. Traditionally among Catholics and Lutherans vv. 1–6 are considered as only one commandment, and v. 17 as two. The Anglican, Greek Orthodox, and Reformed churches count vv. 1–6 as two, and v. 17 as one. Cf. Dt 5:6–21. The traditional designation as “ten” is not found here but in 34:28 (and also Dt 4:13 and 10:4), where these precepts are alluded to literally as “the ten words.” That they were originally written on two tablets appears in Ex 32:15–16; 34:28–29; Dt 4:13; 10:2–4.
The present form of the commands is a product of a long development, as is clear from the fact that the individual precepts vary considerably in length and from the slightly different formulation of Dt 5:6–21 (see especially vv. 12–15 and 21). Indeed they represent a mature formulation of a traditional morality. Why this specific selection of commands should be set apart is not entirely clear. None of them is unique in the Old Testament and all of the laws which follow are also from God and equally binding on the Israelites. Even so, this collection represents a privileged expression of God’s moral demands on Israel and is here set apart from the others as a direct, unmediated communication of God to the Israelites and the basis of the covenant being concluded on Sinai. (Exodus, CHAPTER 20 | USCCB, n.d.)
Psalm 19 praises God’s Glory in Creation and the Law
* [Psalm 19] The heavenly elements of the world, now beautifully arranged, bespeak the power and wisdom of their creator (Ps 19:2–7). The creator’s wisdom is available to human beings in the law (Ps 19:8–11), toward which the psalmist prays to be open (Ps 19:12–14). The themes of light and speech unify the poem. (Psalms, PSALM 19 | USCCB, n.d.)
In the Gospel of Matthew, the Parable of the Sower is explained.
* [13:18–23] See Mk 4:14–20; Lk 8:11–15. In this explanation of the parable the emphasis is on the various types of soil on which the seed falls, i.e., on the dispositions with which the preaching of Jesus is received. The second and third types particularly are explained in such a way as to support the view held by many scholars that the explanation derives not from Jesus but from early Christian reflection upon apostasy from the faith that was the consequence of persecution and worldliness, respectively. Others, however, hold that the explanation may come basically from Jesus even though it was developed in the light of later Christian experience. The four types of persons envisaged are (1) those who never accept the word of the kingdom (Mt 13:19); (2) those who believe for a while but fall away because of persecution (Mt 13:20–21); (3) those who believe, but in whom the word is choked by worldly anxiety and the seduction of riches (Mt 13:22); (4) those who respond to the word and produce fruit abundantly (Mt 13:23). (Matthew, CHAPTER 13 | USCCB, n.d.)
Thomas Quinn's reflection for today centered on discernment of God’s will moving in him as he considered each commandment. His contemplation took the form of a question for each of the first three commandments: do I believe wholeheartedly in the one Almighty God; do I call on God without reverence and purpose; do I keep the sabbath a special and holy day?
Jesus’ words in the gospel for this 16th week in ordinary time are simple and familiar. Plant your seeds of faith in rich soil. Care for your faith as you would nurture a seed; the reward will be 100-fold. God cares for us and wants us to thrive. When I consider this parable, I feel that many of us hear and understand, and do want to flourish. It seems, however, that there are more thorns, weeds, and lures of riches than ever. The number of diversions is endless. I find myself praying today for plenty of rich soil in which I can find shelter, security, and the ability to absorb and share the gifts that God has provided. (Quinn, 2023)
Don Schwager quotes “God's word is like good seed sown in the heart,” by Jerome (347-420 AD).
"'And the one sown upon good ground is he who hears the word, understands it and bears fruit.' Even as on bad ground there were three diverse situations (by the path, upon rocky ground and among thorns), so too on good ground the diversity is of three types: fruit of one hundredfold, sixtyfold and thirtyfold. Both in one and the other there is a change that takes place in the will, not in the nature itself. In both the unbelievers and believers it is the heart that receives the seed. 'The wicked one comes,' he says, 'and snatches away what has been sown in his heart.' In the second and third cases, he says, 'That is he who hears the word.' In the explanation of the good ground, he is the one who hears the word. First we must listen, then understand; after understanding, we must bear the fruits of good teaching and yield fruit either one hundredfold, sixtyfold or thirtyfold." (excerpt from COMMENTARY ON MATTHEW 2.13.23) (Schwager, n.d.)
The Word Among Us Meditation on Exodus 20:1-17 comments that these commandments are more than three thousand years old, but their purpose hasn’t changed. God has done so much for us in Christ: he has forgiven us, redeemed us, and filled us with his Spirit. Now, obeying his commands is our way of responding to the mercy and love he has poured out on us. It’s our way of making sure we stay close to him and live in a way that reveals his love to the people around us.
We live in a world darkened by sin and confused about what is good and true. But God’s commands still set us apart. As we respond to his mercy with obedience, we can shine to the world around us. We can reveal the goodness of the God who has given us his law, and our lives can become open invitations for others to come and meet that God in their own hearts.
“Lord, thank you for giving me your commands, which can bring me the fullness of life!” (Meditation on Exodus 20:1-17, n.d.)
Friar Jude Winkler considers the vertical and horizontal relationships emphasized by the Ten Commandments as presented in Exodus and Deuteronomy. The different numbering in Protestant, Jewish, and Catholic presentations is noted. Friar Jude reminds us of the connection of the Parable to loving God with our intellect, during persecution, and with all our possessions.
Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, affirms each moment as an opportunity to see things as they are and receive the gift of divine presence. Spiritual teacher Paula D’Arcy spent an extended time in contemplative observation of nature.
Maybe when I cling to people, I dim them, too. I separate them from their own inner roots. I help them to believe that they are dependent on me, or that the hunger in their bellies is a cry for me. I convince us both. And then we never hear the cry of hunger which is for God. Until this moment I have not understood that. I am hungry for God…. Now as I am eating and drinking (taking in) God’s creation, I feel satisfied. I am letting myself live in its beauty without needing to own it or control it or secure it for tomorrow. I am seeing it as it is … really seeing it. And that is enough, to really see. I am present to this moment. That brings joy. [2] (Rohr, n.d.)
We contemplate how the relationship with God, from ancient times, has provided guidance in living our best lives for the good of the community with which we journey.
References
Exodus, CHAPTER 20 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved July 28, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/exodus/20?1
Matthew, CHAPTER 13 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved July 28, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/13?
Meditation on Exodus 20:1-17. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved July 28, 2023, from https://wau.org/meditations/2023/07/28/744505/
Psalms, PSALM 19 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved July 28, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/19?8
Quinn, T. (2023, July 28). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved July 28, 2023, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/072823.html
Rohr, R. (n.d.). Daily Meditations — Center for Action and Contemplation. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved July 28, 2023, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/
Schwager, D. (n.d.). Whoever Hears the Word and Understands It. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved July 28, 2023, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2023&date=jul28
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