God’s Word is never wasted. It never fails. As Isaiah reminds us, just as rain and snow water the earth and make it fruitful, so God’s Word goes forth with purpose. It always accomplishes what He intends.
In the Gospel, Jesus tells the Parable of the Sower. The seed is the same in every case—it is the Word of God. What changes is the soil. Some seed falls on a path and is quickly taken away. Some fall on rocky ground and cannot take root. Some is choked by thorns. But some fall on good soil and produce an abundant harvest.
The message is simple but challenging: God is always sowing. The question is how we are receiving it.
It is easy for the heart to become like rocky ground when faith feels shallow or temporary. It can become like thorny soil when daily worries, stress, and distractions crowd out prayer and trust. Sometimes it even becomes like the hardened path, where we hear God’s Word but don’t let it in at all.
St. Paul reminds us in the second reading that even in suffering and struggle, there is hope. God is still at work. Creation itself is waiting to be renewed, and so are we. What we endure now is not the end of the story.
But when the Word of God finds good soil in us—when we listen, trust, and allow it to take root—it produces fruit far beyond what we expect. Not just a little growth, but a harvest: thirty, sixty, even a hundredfold.
God is still sowing today. In every Mass, in every Scripture reading, in every quiet moment of conviction or peace, He is planting His Word in our lives.
The invitation this week is simple: ask God to soften what has become hardened, to clear what is crowded, and to strengthen what is weak. A heart open to Him will always bear fruit.
Board Member
Everyone needs to have a Ray “Redfish” for a friend or at least to meet one like him before you leave the planet. He has never been known to interrupt a single person, say an unkind thing, although he did come close during the last Dallas Cowboy game, or leave any food on his plate. Ray wants to live in a world where Jesus is Lord, life is sacred, and blessings never end.
Board Member
Grateful for an amazing group of friends and a life that has been blessed and enriched by so many, Andrea brings a deep joy and dedication to the mission of CityOfAgape. She is detail-oriented and uses her experience and foresight to proactively address the needs of those around her. When you speak with Andrea, you feel like you’re the only one in the room.
Board Member
Father David comes from the land of Iowa where you can get sunburn and frostbite all in the same week. He has the mind of an architect and the soul of a musician. Father David has given his heart to Jesus and truly lives in the Kingdom. An accomplished guitarist, drummer, phenomenal preacher, he has the voice of a baritone angel. His prayers are powerful and his humor, well… it’s Iowan.
Secretary/Treasurer
Every day, for nine months, an intermittent light rain falls in Seattle, Washington. Those days are brightened by the warm smile and hopeful outlook on life that Angelyn brings to every encounter. Her financial expertise and engaging conversation has ensured great things ahead for CityOfAgape. Her life is filled with a constant welcome that is focused and friendly.
President
Jacqueline’s life epitomizes hard work, creative service and complete dedication, not only to CityOfAgape, but also to her husband, Joshua, and her beautiful children. Her smile, even when things are difficult, is refreshing and comforting. In most currently used English dictionaries, under the word “energy,” you will find Jacqueline’s picture.
Secretary/Treasurer
Janice is not only meticulous in reviewing records and requests for Scriptures, but her eyes well-up with joyful tears when you ask her about all the letters she has received from the thousands of Bible recipients over the years. She loves gardening and listening to the earth; her life is like a long stroll through an intriguing and engaging nature center.
Board Member
Father James’ priestly service has taken him to four different countries, many parish settings, and in contact with more friends that rivals most politicians. One of his favorite quotes is by G.K. Chesterton, “Let your religion be less of a theory and more of a love affair.” If there are sounds of a lively discussion, mixed with hearty laughter and the aroma of a good cigar, Father James can’t be too far way.
Founder and President Emeritus
The minute John walks through the door, your IQ goes up. He embodies the remarkable talent of grasping the bigger picture while juggling multiple points of view, in a world where many are very one-sided. Always happy, even when he is sad, John is ready to challenge and comfort all in the same breath. Where some only see problems, John sees the bright promise of tomorrow. His inspiration and memory will outlast his years on earth. John always says, “there are always miracles where there is great love.”