September 23.  As they drove along Dad couldn’t help wondering, “Why is it that family members can turn out so differently?  They come from the same background, have some different genes, or is there something in the environment that affects them. Maybe they had a bad friend, or someone abused them, or maybe they were always loved or maybe spoiled.”  That night they read the parable of the sower and how the same seed was sown but grew up differently.  “Is that true for us too?” Dad asked. “What kind of soil are we preparing?” Mom thought.  

Reflect, share, act. Scripture: “A sower went out to sow his seed; and as he sowed, some feel along the path and was trodden under foot and the birds of the air devoured it. Some feel on rock, some among thorns, some on good soil. Luke 8:4-15. Pope Francis:  It is important that people experience the gospel of the family as a joy that fills hearts and lives because in Christ we have been set free from sin, sorrow, inner emptiness and loneliness.  As in the parable of the sower we are called to help sow seeds, the rest is God’s work.  The Church wishes with humility and compassion to reach out to families and to help each family to discover the best way to overcome any obstacles it encounters.  AL 200.  Eco-tip and prayer:  Learn more about edible plants e.g. the spekboom, join a food gardening programme, grow your own vegetables and compost food waste. Take any action to build healthy soil. Thank God for daily food.  Pray, Glory be to the Father