Daily Reflection

Bible Study: Exodus 20:1-17, Psalm 19 and Matthew 13:18-23
_“The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever *(Psalm 19:7-9).*_  
Have you been lost in a strange land before? Imagine you are lost and you need to get to a particular location within a certain time frame, then you try asking people for directions but no one understands English. Under this circumstance, how would you feel when you suddenly stumble upon a map? I bet you would jump up and down in joy and quickly apply yourself to the directions. Like one lost in a strange land, the Israelites were really lost when they found themselves in the middle of nowhere in the desert. When God gave these commandments, he actually provided them with a map.    
*The Ten Commandments represent Divine Wisdom guiding the affairs of mankind. Obedience to these commandments translates to living life as God desires and not just as people think fit.* As our Responsorial Psalm sings, there is great wisdom in keeping these commandments. 
“The law of the Lord is perfect, REFRESHING THE SOUL; the decree of the Lord is trustworthy, giving WISDOM TO THE SIMPLE. The precepts of the Lord are right, REJOICING THE HEART; 
The command of the LORD is clear, ENLIGHTENING THE EYE… They are MORE PRECIOUS THAN GOLD, than a heap of purest gold. Do you notice how the Psalmist draws analogies from the most important parts of the body?
See how the psalmist describes the value of keeping God’s commandments. Is it not obvious that all the problems that people face today are deeply rooted in the fact that God’s instructions are ignored, disobeyed and even legislated against. 
The Ten Commandments are not only a map for the best life possible, they also contain seeds capable of yielding a great harvest in our life. However, our keeping of the Ten Commandments depend on the type of soil we have, that is, it depends on our attitude to God.
Some don’t even care or know that the Ten Commandments exist. They are like seeds along the path. Some people are so eager to receive the Ten Commandments but in the face of temptation and trial, they push God aside. They are like seeds planted on rock.
Some others again love to keep the Ten Commandments but they also want to pursue material things. Their love for riches at times overshadows their love for God. They are the seeds that are planted among thorns.
How do I relate with God? To what extent do I value the commandments of God as a map for the best life possible on earth? What type of soil is my heart?