First Reading
Isaiah 55:10-11

1. Rain forms in the heavens, falls to the earth making it fertile., and produces fruit for consumption, and the heavens are peaceful again. “So shall my word be … achieving the end for which I sent it.” How is God’s word reliable in this way? What is the end for which God sent his Son?
 
2. Rain makes seed germinate and grow. Apply this to God’s grace. Now apply it to God’s grace in your life. Discuss.

Second Reading
Romans 8:18-23

1. What corruption is creation trying to free itself from now? What can we, with the first fruits of the Spirit, do to help alleviate some of those problems?

2. “We know that all creation is groaning in labor pains even until now.” Is there birthing pain in a cleaner environment for the planet, and in new and better kinds of race relations? If God continually creates us moment by moment will God help with these difficult births?

Gospel
Matthew 13:1-23

1. Jesus says that the “cares of the world and [the] lure of wealth” are rocky ground and thorns that keep the seed from taking root. What is your “rocky ground”? Are you a busy pathway where the Word is sown but then is trampled? Can the thorns of worldly anxiety choke the Word when it comes to you?
 
2. According to Pope Francis, what do we do about receiving the “seed” if we know our soil or field is a place filled with stones and thorns?

A field is a place for sowing seeds. … When we accept the word of God, then we are the field of faith! Please, let Christ and his word enter your life; let the seed of the Word of God enter, let it blossom, and let it grow. God will take care of everything, but let him work in you and bring about this growth.

Pope Francis, Prayer Vigil with Young People, Para 1
Rio de Janerio, July 27, 2013