ACC ~ Matthew 13 v7

HOW THE WORD IS CULTIVATED

ANONYMOUS: “Other seeds fell among thorns.” First, I would like to say how a word sown in you is cultivated, as you may well understand, and how it is choked by your neighbors. You cultivate it by listening carefully to the Scriptures and the traditions of the doctors. In this way the word of God is strengthened in you, grows and gladdens you, for thus it is with everything according to your belief. INCOMPLETE WORK ON MATTHEW, HOMILY 31. [1]

[1] PG 56:794.

HOW THE WORD IS CHOKED

ANONYMOUS: You must realize that the pursuit of wealth holds you back from attending church services to hear the Scriptures and the traditions of the doctors and be fed on the word that you have received. Though you approach with your body, you do not approach with your mind. Though you listen with your ears, you do not listen with your heart. Your heart lies entirely in those things you are concerned about. The desire for wealth does not permit you to do good works. Further, why does it permit you to lend what you own at interest, and what compels you to aggrandize yourself on another person’s property? Likewise, if the word of God is jeopardized because you desire wealth or fear to lose what you have or wish to acquire what you do not have, you do not openly profess the truth of your faith. Do you see how the concern and desire for riches suffocate the word and do not allow it to yield fruit? INCOMPLETE WORK ON MATTHEW, HOMILY 31. [1]

[1] PG 56:795. Note that “the traditions of the doctors” on Scripture were included in church services at this time as a means of nurture in the Word.

Mt