Listen and Understand

July 23

Gospel

Matthew 13:10-17

Prophets and holy men longed to hear what you hear

The disciples went up to Jesus and asked, ‘Why do you talk to them in parables?’ ‘Because’ he replied, ‘the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven are revealed to you, but they are not revealed to them. For anyone who has will be given more, and he will have more than enough; but from anyone who has not, even what he has will be taken away. The reason I talk to them in parables is that they look without seeing and listen without hearing or understanding. So in their case this prophecy of Isaiah is being fulfilled:

You will listen and listen again, but not understand,

see and see again, but not perceive.

For the heart of this nation has grown coarse,

their ears are dull of hearing, and they have shut their eyes,

for fear they should see with their eyes,

hear with their ears,

understand with their heart,

and be converted

and be healed by me.

‘But happy are your eyes because they see, your ears because they hear! I tell you solemnly, many prophets and holy men longed to see what you see, and never saw it; to hear what you hear, and never heard it.’

Reflection

Jesus invites us to recognize the gift of insight we often take for granted. Parables reveal truth to those with open hearts, while revealing also the mystery that remains beyond closed minds. If we listen with humility and seek understanding, our sight and hearing are deepened, and we are drawn into the kingdom more fully. May we treasure the prompted clarity and allow it to transform our hearts, not just our thoughts.

Question for reflection

- In what area of my life might I be closing my ears or eyes to God’s truth, and how can I respond more openly today?

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for the mysteries of Your kingdom revealed to us. soften my heart, open my ears, and grant me the humility to receive Your word. Help me not to resist, but to understand and be converted by Your grace, that I may live more fully in Your light. Amen.

Comments

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