let jesus open his word
Jesus "said to them: 'Have you never read…?' " —Mark 2:25
Several times in the Gospels Jesus asks those who had spent years studying the Scriptures if they've never read a certain passage (see e.g. Mk 2:25; Mt 21:16, 42; 22:31). Jesus, of course, knew His hearers had indeed read those passages before. However, He also knew they had not grasped the full meaning of the passage, despite having possibly read it many times.
What about us? Like the Pharisees in today's passage, some of us have devoted years of our lives studying the Scriptures. Yet there are always deeper levels of meaning in the Word of God not yet open to us. Are we content with our current understanding of the Bible? Jesus longs to open our minds to the understanding of the Scriptures (see Lk 24:45), but we must desire understanding and wisdom. It's hard for Jesus to open if we don't bother to knock. Jesus says: "Knock, and it will be opened to you" (Mt 7:7).
Stay rooted in God's Word. Read and study it daily (Acts 17:11). Beg the Lord for an ever deeper desire to sit with Him and listen to His word (Lk 10:39). Whenever possible, read the daily Scriptures at Mass and at Eucharistic Adoration in the presence of Jesus, the Living Word (Heb 4:12), Who will unlock His word for you. May God's word be the joy and the happiness of your heart (Jer 15:16).
Prayer: Jesus, Living Word (Heb 4:12), reveal Your word ever more deeply to me this year. Impel me to share it with a world famished for hearing Your word (Am 8:11).
Promise: "God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him by your service, past and present, to His holy people." —Heb 6:10
Praise: To spread the good news, Bill constructs hiking trails with Scripture verses painted on signs displayed throughout.
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
Rescript: †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, May 28, 2010
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