Wednesday 28 January 2026. Readings: 2 Samuel 7:4-17, Ps. 89:4-5,27-30, Mark 4:1-20
“But those that were sown upon the good soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold.” (Mark 4:20)
Having successfully brought back the Ark of the Lord to Jerusalem alongside its accompanying rituals, David (out of a deep sense of gratitude to God who elevated him from the status of a shepherd boy to that of a king at just thirty) was not comfortable with the fact that he lived in a house of cedar. The Ark of God dwelt in a tent. David’s desire to build a temple was the fruit of his faith in God. Going by Jesus’ parable in today’s Gospel passage, David represents the seed that fell on good soil. Let us now examine our lessons for today:
1. Giving to God is an Expression of Faith: In his second letter to the Corinthians, St. Paul writes: “Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7). Nathan did not preach to David that “failure to tithe would make things tight for him.” The temple was not even Nathan’s idea. David felt a deep need to show his appreciation to God. Giving to God expresses your faith. If your faith is large enough to acknowledge that everything you have comes from God, then, like seeds sown in good soil, you would have the same mindset as David.
2. Learn to Pray before Making Decisions: As the King of Israel, David had all the resources to construct a temple fitting for God, but he consulted with Nathan, the priest. Immediately, Nathan gave David a green light. Nathan later discovered his mistake when God sent a message that David was not qualified to build the temple. Consult with God. Even Jesus spent a whole night in prayer before selecting the apostles. Thank God Nathan was humble enough to acknowledge his mistake and politely tell David not to proceed with the plan.
3. Gratitude Opens the Door for More Blessings: Although God did not allow David to build the temple, God blessed David, teaching us that His blessings are not for sale. You don’t have to give anything. Just be grateful. God does not need your offerings; He needs your heart, your appreciation.
4. Same Seed yet Different Soils: In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus illustrates why God’s Words do not work for some persons. The seeds sown had the potential to grow, but they needed the soil’s cooperation. Jesus did not work many miracles in his hometown because many did not believe. Instead of changing the seed, we should change the soil, that is, we must believe more.
St. Thomas Aquinas was born in 1225 in Roccasecca, Italy, the youngest son of a noble family destined for monastic life. Thomas was known for his quiet nature and remarkable intellect, earning the nickname “the dumb ox” from his classmates. After completing his education, Thomas taught in Cologne and Paris, where he authored important works like the ‘Summa contra Gentiles’ and the ‘Summa Theologiae.’
In 1265, he was called to Rome to serve as a papal theologian, enhancing his reputation as a leading thinker of his time. In 1273, Thomas had a mystical experience and stopped writing, feeling that his works were insignificant. The following year, while travelling to the Second Council of Lyon, he became ill and passed away on 7 March 1274. He was canonised in 1323 by Pope John XXII. Later, Pope Pius V declared him a Doctor of the Church in recognition of his significant contributions to theology and philosophy.
Let us pray: O God, who made Saint Thomas Aquinas outstanding in his zeal for holiness and his study of sacred doctrine, grant us, we pray, that we may understand what he taught and imitate what he accomplished. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Saint Thomas Aquinas, Priest, Doctor Liturgical Colour: White. Bible Study: 2 Samuel 7:4-17, Ps. 89:4-5,27-30, Mark 4:1-20)
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu