Do you like reading the Bible? I do. Why? Even the same passage always gives a renewed meaning. And it sheds light on different situations at the most helpful angle. It is not I who find or discover meaning, but the passage itself teaches me. The Bible is not dead literature. It is the living word of the Lord. A simple parable Jesus told his disciples two thousand years ago can still enlighten my mind and console my heart. And its enlightenment and consolation are far different from the ones from the world. The word of the Lord fills my heart with true delight that doesn’t deplete.

Today Jesus explains to us the kingdom of God with the two parables. The kingdom of God grows according to his providential timeline. A farmer cannot ripen an apple one day sooner but can only help the apple tree grow well. But the tree grows and bears fruits on its time. Likewise, the word of the Lord grows and bears fruit for us when its time comes according to the Lord's plan. But if we don’t read or reflect on it, we will never taste the fruit. That is why we want to read the Bible daily. I can assure you that our Lord is living and that his living word touches your mind and heart when you listen to it. As Jesus explained the parables to his disciples in private, he will also teach you the meaning of what you read in the Bible if you only ask him. When we read the Bible, the Holy Spirit does not leave us alone. He helps us.

I pray that we may have the grace to listen to the word of the Lord every day. Then, our Lord will give us fruit at a proper time.