Breaking the Word

16^th Week in Ord. Time, Thursday – 21^st July 2022 — Gospel: Mt 13,10-17

Openness in Understanding

The disciples wanted to know why Jesus had begun speaking to the crowds in parables. The crowds didn’t want to see, hear, or understand Jesus. They were entrenched in their ways of thinking and not open to Jesus’ teaching. Openness would require the willingness to change, instead they had closed their eyes and ears, “lest they see… and hear… and understand… and be converted.” Understanding the parables of Jesus is not simply a matter of using one’s intellect, but a grace given by God himself. It is given to those who acknowledge their dependence on God. Only those who have committed themselves to follow Jesus are given an insight into the mysteries of the kingdom. Since they have Jesus as their teacher, they will be able to understand all there is to know. The closed attitude of those who do not wish to follow is what is responsible for their lack of understanding.

16^th Week in Ord. Time, Wednesday – 20^th July 2022 — Gospel: Mt 13,1-9

Bear Fruits of Your Potency

The famous parable of the sower provides a perfect example for one’s disposition to the kingdom of God. Jesus told His hearers to imagine the sower and what he’s doing, and the consequences a little while later when the seed begins to sprout and then grow and finally mature. Obviously the first three environments, in which the seeds fell, were not ideal because the seeds did not grow up to their potency. We become like the first three environments, when we intentionally turn a deaf ear to God’s word. In contrast the last environment, the good soil, is the true people of God. This happens when we open our whole being to God’s will. The seeds of God’s kingdom grow within us and in that process, we bear fruits in abundance, which turn into God’s blessing to others. In His infinite goodness, God uses various modes to sow His teachings perpetually in the land of our hearts. What He desires of us is to be always like the good soil, which bears fruits according to its potency and becomes a blessing in our environment.