“a time to plant” (eccl 3:2)
“I use parables when I speak to them because they look but do not see, they listen but do not hear or understand.” —Matthew 13:13
The homilist at this morning’s Mass made an interesting analogy between parables and the Incarnation. Jesus tells parables about mysteries that have not yet been explained, and it requires time for the parable’s meaning to be made clear. Likewise, Jesus came to earth as a tiny infant, not as a grown man. It required time and growth for Jesus to reveal the fullness of His majesty as Lord, Savior, and God (Lk 2:40).
Similarly, we need to look and listen, as the meaning of a parable takes time to unfold. One quick hearing or reading of a parable is insufficient. Like the Blessed Mother, we must ponder, reflect, re-read, pray, seek, and listen (Lk 2:19, 51).
Let the Word of God be sown in your heart like a mustard seed (Lk 17:6). Actively cultivate that Word (Lk 13:8-9). Let the Word take root (Jas 1:21), grow (Mk 4:27), and bear abundant fruit in your life (Mt 13:23).
Prayer: Father, may I meditate on Your Word day and night (Ps 1:2). Give me both the love for Your Word and the discipline needed to enable Your Word to bear a hundredfold harvest (Mt 13:8).
Promise: “O Lord, Your kindness reaches to heaven; Your faithfulness, to the clouds.” —Ps 36:6
Praise: St. Lawrence studied philosophy and theology. He is best known for mastering many languages. His great intellect was combined with genuine compassion and care for others.
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
(Check our website www.presentationministries.com to learn more about two upcoming retreats. Discipleship, Redemptive Suffering and Mary is Aug. 1-3. A retreat for those who are living the single vocation is Aug. 19-21.)
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