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Gospel Matthew 13:10-17 |
10 The disciples approached Jesus and said, “Why do you speak to them in parables?” 11 He said to them in reply, “Because knowledge of the mysteries of the Kingdom of heaven has been granted to you, but to them it has not been granted. 12 To anyone who has, more will be given and he will grow rich; from anyone who has not, even what he has will be taken away. 13 This is why I speak to them in parables, because they look but do not see and hear but do not listen or understand. 14 Isaiah’s prophecy is fulfilled in them, which says: You shall indeed hear but not understand, you shall indeed look but never see. 15 Gross is the heart of this people, they will hardly hear with their ears, they have closed their eyes, lest they see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and be converted, and I heal them. 16 But blessed are your eyes, because they see, and your ears, because they hear. 17 Amen, I say to you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.”
Historical Background
Jesus is teaching by the Sea of Galilee, surrounded by crowds. He begins speaking in parables—a shift in His teaching style. The disciples ask why He uses parables. This moment marks a turning point: Jesus begins revealing the mysteries of the Kingdom in ways that require spiritual discernment.
Parables were a familiar teaching method in Jewish tradition, often used to provoke thought and invite deeper inquiry. However, Jesus uses them here to both reveal and conceal truth depending on the listener’s heart.
Theological Context
Jesus explains that understanding is a gift—granted to those who are spiritually receptive. This echoes divine election and the role of grace. He quotes Isaiah, highlighting spiritual blindness and deafness. It’s not merely intellectual ignorance but a hardened heart that resists truth.
Jesus affirms that the disciples are blessed because they see and hear what prophets longed for. This underscores the privilege of spiritual insight and the fulfillment of messianic prophecy.
Learning Lessons
Parables are not puzzles to be solved but mirrors to examine the soul. They challenge listeners to seek, not just hear. Seeing and hearing are not enough—understanding must lead to transformation and healing.
Truth is not just taught—it must be received. A humble, open heart is key to understanding divine mysteries.
Lord Jesus,
You spoke in parables to awaken the soul, to stir the heart and reveal the mysteries of Your Kingdom. Grant me eyes that truly see, and ears that humbly hear Your voice. Let not my heart grow dull or distant, but tender to Your truth and eager to respond. May I receive Your Word with joy, and bear fruit that glorifies Your name.
Thank You for the blessing of revelation, for allowing me to glimpse what prophets longed to see. Help me walk in the light of Your teaching and share Your grace with those still in darkness.
Amen.
“Eyes That See, Ears That Hear”
Eyes that see, yet do not see,
Ears that hear, yet fail to be—
Awake to truth, to grace, to light,
Still lost in shadows, blind to sight.
The Word goes forth, a sacred seed,
To hearts prepared, it meets the need.
But hardened soil and thorny ground
Let wisdom fall without a sound.
Yet blessed are those whose eyes perceive,
Whose ears receive, whose hearts believe.
For prophets longed to glimpse this day,
But you, dear soul, now walk the Way.
So let the parable unfold,
Its mystery more precious than gold.
And may your heart, in mercy stirred,
Be healed and shaped by Jesus’ Word.
Pericope:
IV: Opposition from Israel
THE PURPOSE OF PARABALES / THE PRIVILEGE OF DISCIPLESHIP
Matthew 13:10-15 / 16-17
Gospel Acclamation
Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth; you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the Kingdom.
Reflection Source:
Conversation with Copilot
