FROM THE ALTAR TO THE STREETS

Adeladius Makwega, Musoma – Mara, Tanzania.

 

The reflection of Fr. Bonaventura Maro has been used by the Vatican on its radio and social media platforms regarding the 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A of the Church, together with the celebration of the Apostleship of the Sea.

 

Fr. Maro emphasized the importance of seafarers and fishermen in people’s lives, urging society to appreciate them for their work despite the challenges they face in their duties.

 

Furthermore, he explains that the Word of God has great power and can transform a person’s life. Like a seed, the Word requires a ready heart in order to grow and bear good fruit. The example of the Israelites shows that God fulfills His promises even in times of difficulty.

 

In addition, Fr. Maro stated that present sufferings are not permanent, as there is hope for a better life to come. He added that in the Gospel, the parable of the sower shows that people receive the Word of God differently depending on the condition of their hearts. Thus, he encouraged everyone to have a good heart that receives and lives the Word of God in order to bear good fruits such as love, peace, and kindness in daily life.

 

On the other hand, the Cardinals were not left behind in reflecting on this Sunday:

 

“Jesus likens the Kingdom of God to a man who went out to sow seeds. Some seeds fell on the path and were eaten by birds. Others fell on rocky ground, where they sprouted but withered because of the heat. Others fell among thorns, which choked the young plants. But the seeds that fell on good soil grew and produced a crop—one hundred, sixty, or thirty times what was sown.

 

In this parable, God offers His Word to different types of soil, that is, the different conditions of our hearts when we hear the Word of God. The Word of God is for everyone. Let us pray for the grace to become good soil so that we may receive the Kingdom of God and bear much fruit.”

 

These are the words of Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Prefect of Propaganda Fide of the Catholic Church worldwide, which deals with evangelization.

On this Sunday, our brother Mwanakwetu attended Mass at St. Augustine Church, Mwisenge Parish, in the Catholic Diocese of Musoma, where the homily was delivered by Frateli Mapesa. In his preaching, he explained how the Apostle Paul arrived in the city of Athens and taught people who had various beliefs, including the concept of the “Unknown God.” Paul used this concept to teach them, although their response was small. Frateli Mapesa also quoted the book Tenzi za Rohoni, poem number 140, encouraging Christians to count God’s blessings.

 

He emphasized that, despite the challenges we face, we must continue to count God’s blessings. He gave the example of a 12-year-old girl from Venezuela who survived an earthquake that claimed the lives of 4,000 people, yet she maintained her smile despite the hardship she went through.

 

All this took place on the 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A of the Church, on July 12, 2026.

 

After the service, as Mwanakwetu was leaving the church, he encountered three different groups: the first group of many sheep and goats led by a young man taking them to pasture; the second group of Christians heading to attend the second Mass; and the third group of a few goats and many cattle scattered everywhere without a visible shepherd, while cars passed with difficulty, honking.

 

Near him was a very beautiful black cow that appeared to be nursing, as its udders were full of milk. Two elderly men passed by and looked at the cow. One said that if it were a bull, it would be very good for breeding, and the other said that even a female could be useful, although it is difficult to care for it until it gives birth.

 

Mwanakwetu greeted the two elders and continued on his way, reflecting that livestock may be beautiful, but without a careful shepherd, they can wander, eat harmful things, be hit by cars, or even be stolen.

A little further ahead, he met a woman carrying a herding stick under her arm, talking with another woman about a wedding. Suddenly, she said she needed to hurry because her livestock was crossing the road.

 

Mwanakwetu continued his journey back home.

 

What does Mwanakwetu say today?

The main lesson from the three groups he encountered is closely related to the Gospel of this Sunday (the parable of the sower):

“The first group (sheep and goats with a careful shepherd): This resembles the good soil in the Gospel. The livestock is well guided and heading safely to pasture. This represents people who hear the Word of God, keep it in their hearts, and live it in action. The result is a life with direction and good fruits.

The second group (Christians going to church): This can resemble those who receive the Word but are still on their journey of faith. They strive to hear the Word of God (by attending Mass), but they still need to nurture it within so that it does not produce only short-lived results like seeds that fell on rocky ground.

 

The third group (many livestock without a shepherd, scattered): This resembles seeds that fell on the path or among thorns. Without guidance, the livestock is in danger—it may get lost, be hit by cars, or eat harmful things. This represents people without spiritual direction; they hear the Word, but it does not remain in them or is choked by worldly concerns.

 

Mwanakwetu says: The Gospel teaches us that the problem is not the seed (the Word of God), but the condition of the soil (the human heart). Likewise, in Mwanakwetu’s experience, the difference was not the livestock but the presence or absence of a shepherd.

 

Therefore, we are called to be like the first group: to have a “shepherd” (that is, God’s guidance), to have a good heart, so that the Word of God may bear fruit in our lives.

Mwanakwetu,Are you there? Remember:

“From the Altar to the Streets.”

Have a nice day.

makwadeladius@gmail.com
0717649257