Referring to Matthew 13:1-9, Fr. Jonas talks about thorny AI and the need for prayer at the 5:30 p.m. Mass at the St. Francis Chapel in the Prudential Center in Boston on Sunday, July 12, 2026.

Text of the homily

“Some seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it,” Jesus warns us in today’s Gospel. These thorns assume new forms today in AI.

For example, the YouTube channel “The Art of Storytelling” recently offered a critique of AI on creativity. The promise of an instant picture, song or video from a prompt short-circuits the creative process of drawing, composing and writing in which each step prompts reflection, change, surprise and growth. Even introducing AI into banal tasks of cleaning up photos or editing audio clips short-changes us in learning new skills or seeking help from others.

However, AI is a symptom of the greater problem of instant gratification in our culture. We want that quick dopamine hit of a purchase or a like with the least amount of effort like a tap, click or a swipe. Instant gratification makes us run on the proverbial treadmill on which we chase the next hit of pleasure that never satisfies us.

Furthermore, in the long term, we stunt our growth and maturity. Thus, we struggle with various addictions (porn and drugs), broken relationships (domestic violence and divorce) and anger issues (because just like Burger King’s slogan, we want it our way).

Instead, Jesus loves us and calls us to pause and reflect for he said, “Whoever has ears ought to hear.” He doesn’t want our fleeting glance like when we see a wreck on the highway. Our pause should be intentional and lengthy like the scene of Calvary where we stop and ponder Christ Crucified, this supreme act of love that brought salvation to the world.

Indeed, St. Ignatius of Loyola wrote, “For it is not much knowledge that fills and satisfies the soul, but the intimate understanding and relish of the truth.”

        This relish of the truth cleanses the soul of useless knowledge, the thorns in today’s parable, that the world tries to stuff us.

Fostering stillness tills the soil of our souls for the Word of God. We should dedicate 10-30 minutes a day on meditating Scriptures. This time slot should be when we are at our best and not the tired scraps after a long day.

Whether we create, reflect or pray, we participate with God’s creation that aches and evolves toward His perfection as Paul describes: “We know that all creation is groaning in labor pains even until now; and not only that, but we ourselves […] also groan within ourselves as we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies.”

Stop, reflect, feel that groaning for growth and allow God to create in us as we receive Him in Holy Communion.