Thursday of the Sixteenth Week of Ordinary Time

Lectio
    Matthew 13:10–17

Meditatio

“They … hear but do not listen or understand.… But blessed are … your ears.”

    The disciples have asked Jesus why he often speaks in parables. His answer seems to suggest that he doesn’t want the crowd to grasp the meaning of his words and be saved. But Scripture is a unity; its parts are harmonious. Elsewhere Scripture says: “God … wills everyone to be saved” (1 Tim 2:3–4). So, whatever Jesus’ meaning was, his parables must have been meant for the good of the people of his time and place. Perhaps he spoke in parables so that some people could mull over his words before making a decision, and others could ignore the message until they were ready to respond to it later on.

    In any case, how does this passage relate to us?

Recently I was struck by the contrast between the two groups of hearers, those who ponder the words and those who set aside the message for later. And I was startled by this insight: Which group do I belong to?

    It could be that in searching for the original meaning of Jesus’ words, I’m not hearing what he’s saying to me here and now. Perhaps I’m only trying to discover the literal meaning grasped by the original hearers or the evangelist. Pope Benedict and others point out that even though it’s important to search for the original, literal meaning, Scripture also has other dimensions.

    God’s word is alive today. Whether I attend Mass in person, watch it on TV, or simply read Scripture at home, God wants to speak to me personally through his word.

    Commentaries are certainly helpful, as are books of prayerful reflections on Scripture. They can stimulate my own pondering—and that’s what they’re meant to do. They can help me prepare to receive the Lord’s here-and-now word for me at this time and in this place. But I have to be open to receive that word, giving the Holy Spirit an opportunity to communicate the message he wants me to hear.

    May my ears be “blessed.”

Oratio

    Jesus, Word of the Father, help me to open myself to your message. May I not close my ears too soon, thinking I’ve already heard what you want to tell me through a particular passage. Teach me to give the Spirit time for his inspirations to stir my heart.

Contemplatio

    Holy Spirit, teach me how to really listen.

___

ORDINARY GRACE Weeks 1–17: Daily Gospel Reflections (By the Daughters of St. Paul)