July 13th - Reflection

Matthew 13:10-17 (NRSV)
The purpose of parable
Then the disciples came and asked him, "Why do you speak to them in parables?" He answered, "To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. For to those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away. The reason I speak to them in parables is that 'seeing they do not perceive, and hearing they do not listen, nor do they understand.' With them indeed is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah that says:
'You will indeed listen, but never understand,
and you will indeed look, but never perceive.
For this people's heart has grown dull,
and their ears are hard of hearing,
and they have shut their eyes;
so that they might not look with their eyes,
and listen with their ears,
and understand with their heart and turn
and I would heal them.'


But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear. Truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, but did not see it, and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it.

Reflection
Wouldn't it be great to have heard Jesus speak the parables in person? How much more could we understand if we had heard him speak? But if our minds are made up that we understand all the meaning, maybe we don't hear at all.

Parables, for me, seem to be one of those gems that you can turn from side to side and different understanding and light is produced. I never seem to understand all of it, but I love to hear and read each of the parables.

I think if I listen with an open mind and heart God will speak to me in the parables. But if I close my mind and heart I won't hear a thing. So, I choose to listen for what God is telling me each time I hear the parables. Surely God will reveal a reflection of his truth to me each time.

Prayer
Lord, open my mind and heart to the meaning of the parables you teach...today...tomorrow...and forever. --- Amen