It is difficult to remember when I was introduced to the ten commandments. It may have been through object lessons by my parents if I had transgressed, as a child, one of the commandments. Honoring my father and mother comes to mind. It seems that by adulthood at least a semblance of knowledge of each commandment has somehow trickled or gushed its way into our minds. The commandments are grouped into three that speak of our relations with God; the remaining seven relate to our interactions with others and their possessions. It seems so straightforward; we know what God wants us to do or not to do on a relatively superficial level. We are not presented with part I, amendments, clauses, etc. The scriptures have left us with the task of interpreting, and lovingly implementing, the word of God in each of our lives. The commandments need to live in us. They are not nebulous suggestions, but rather, commands. If our first response to them is, “well, except in this or that case, I will obey,” we may have missed the point. Exceptions do seem to be present in our world. I pray that our respective societies, and our personal responses to the divine commandments, do not stray far from the will of God.

My reflection for today centered on discernment of God’s will moving in me as I considered each commandment. My contemplation took the form of a question for each of the first three commandments: do I believe wholeheartedly in the one Almighty God; do I call on God without reverence and purpose; do I keep the sabbath a special and holy day? The commandments that deal with interactions with each other are also straightforward, but I considered them in the context of the question, “do I or do I not...?” Do I kill; commit adultery; steal; bear false witness; covet another’s property? These commandments are reflected in many of our civil laws. How do we treat each other? How can we keep peace? Jesus taught us the response. “I give you a new commandment: love one another. Just as I have loved you, you must also love one another.” (Jn 13:34).

Jesus’ words in the gospel for this 16th week in ordinary time are simple and familiar. Plant your seeds of faith in rich soil. Care for your faith as you would nurture a seed; the reward will be 100-fold. God cares for us and wants us to thrive. When I consider this parable, I feel that many of us hear and understand, and do want to flourish. It seems, however, that there are more thorns, weeds, and lures of riches than ever. The number of diversions is endless. I find myself praying today for plenty of rich soil in which I can find shelter, security, and the ability to absorb and share the gifts that God has provided.