Jeremiah 2:1-3, 7-8, 12-13,
Psalm 36:6—7ab.8-9.10-11,
Matthew 13: 10-17 Full Readings
Knowledge of the Mysteries of the Kingdom
After telling the parable of the sower the disciples of Jesus asked him why He uses parables in His teachings. The major reason is that the self righteous Jews (like Pharisees and Scribes) had eyes but they look without seeing, had ears but they hear without listening or understanding. This made them not to be exposed to the mysteries of the kingdom. This also sounds like another parable which we should try to understand why Jesus said this. Jesus then sent them back to the prophecy of Isaiah.
The prophet Isaiah had warned that some would hear God's word, but not believe, some would see God's actions and miracles, and remain unconvinced. Ironically some of the greatest skeptics of Jesus' teaching and miracles were the learned scribes and Pharisees who prided themselves on their knowledge of Scripture, especially on the law of Moses. They heard Jesus' parables and saw the great signs and miracles which he performed, but they refused to accept both Jesus and his message. How could they "hear and never understand" and "see but never perceive"? They were spiritually blind and deaf because their hearts were closed and their minds were blocked by pride and prejudice. How could a man from Galilee, the supposed son of a carpenter, know more about God and his word, than these experts who devoted their lives to the study and teaching of the law of Moses?
All this was because of their stubbornness of heart. From the first reading, we see Jeremiah shouting in the midst of Jerusalem for the Israelites had defiled the land which the Lord had given them, by forgetting the love which they had for Him and started practicing and satisfying their own pleasures. They hardened their hearts and would no longer listen to God's word not His prophets. This did not stop in the Old Testament, but continued up to the time of Jesus (if not up to now). The mysteries were revealed to the disciples because they believed and accepted Jesus as the Messiah. They believed and were given the grace to understand. This grace was to be added to them more and more for whoever has, more will be added to Him.
God can only reveal the secrets of his kingdom to the humble and trusting person who acknowledges their need for God and for his truth. The parables of Jesus will enlighten us if we approach them with an open mind and heart, ready to let them challenge us. If we approach God's word with indifference, skepticism, and disbelief, then we, too, may "hear but not understand" and "see but not perceive." God's word can only take root in a receptive heart that is ready to believe and willing to submit. If we want to hear and to understand God's word, we must listen with reverence and faith.
Our invitation today is to evaluate ourselves, if we have the stubbornness of heart, or if we accept Christ with what He teaches so that we may have the knowledge of the kingdom. We all as Christians, have been given the opportunity to understand the Mysteries of the kingdom from our baptism. When we use this opportunity, we shall be growing daily in the knowledge of the Kingdom. That's when we allow God to take control of our hearts. Jesus says we have been given and many will be added to us but we also have to remember that when we refuse to listen and understand, even the little faith and understanding we have will slowly slip away into confusion.
Reflect today on how you desire to grow more and more in the knowledge of the Kingdom. How soft is your heart to accept Jesus and His teachings. Pray for the Holy Spirit to guide you so that everyday you will desire to understand the Mysteries of the Kingdom.
Let us Pray.
Almighty God, grant me the desire always to understand the mysteries through accepting your Son Jesus and what He teaches. Amen.
Be blessed
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