Read Online
With many such parables he spoke the word to them as they were able
to understand it. Without parables he did not speak to them, but to
his own disciples he explained everything in private. Mark
4:33–34
The deepest mysteries of our faith can only be understood by
someone who has deep faith. Understanding requires much more than
just a keen intellect; it also requires an interior attentiveness
to and familiarity with the voice of God. For that reason, as Jesus
spoke to the crowds, He used parables and figures of speech rather
than speaking directly about the mysteries of Heaven.
By analogy, if you were to attend a very special feast and you had
well-formed taste buds, you might enjoy being served the best cut
of meat cooked to perfection with a fine glass of wine. But to a
small child, such a meal might not be that appealing. The same is
true with music. If you were a musician who studied and played
music throughout life, then you might have a greater appreciation
for certain types of music. Others might simply be drawn to a
certain type of music by the beat or because it has catchy
lyrics.
In a similar way, a person who has only a little faith might not be
immediately drawn into the deepest mystical truths of God when they
are explained directly and clearly. Instead, they might find that a
simplified Gospel message that uses familiar imagery or stories is
better able to catch their attention and communicate the
message.
This is good for us to understand because it’s good for us to turn
to the means of communication with God most suited for our depth of
faith and understanding. For most people, it will be very useful to
see themselves as one of those people in the crowds to whom Jesus
spoke His parables. We should especially see ourselves as a part of
the crowds as we begin our journey of faith. However, when a person
has spent much time in prayer and meditation over the years and
their faith begins to deepen, they may find that parables and
stories are not as inspiring as they once were. They need more.
They long for God to speak to them more clearly and deeply.
Practically speaking, as your faith grows, it is good to look for
the deeper ways that God speaks to you. How does He come to you and
explain His will and the truths of faith more directly as Jesus did
to the Apostles? Perhaps reading the lives of the saints, the
Catechism of the Catholic Church, or some other spiritual
book will engage you more deeply. Also, some Scripture passages may
feed you more as you grow in faith, such as the passages where
Jesus speaks more directly to His disciples.
Reflect, today, upon the way that you are most fully fed by God’s
holy Word at this point in your life. The best way to identify this
is to consider what it is that has given you the most consolation
and inspiration as of late. How has God’s Word most powerfully
resonated within you over this past year? Identifying the way that
God has spoken to you recently is the best way to decide how to
continue to receive from Him all that He wants to teach you and
reveal to you at this point of your journey of faith. Continue to
seek out God’s voice, and be open to letting Him draw you ever more
deeply into the beautiful depths of the mysteries of His
Kingdom.
Glorious Word of God, You choose to speak to Your people in
varied ways. To some, You speak through parables and figures of
speech. To others, You speak more directly and intimately,
revealing the depths of Your Heart. Please speak to me in the ways
that will deepen my faith so that I can continue my journey into
the many mysteries You wish to reveal. Jesus, I trust in
You.
Source of content:
catholic-daily-reflections.com
Copyright 2024 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved.
Used with permission via RSS feed.
Featured images above: Sorrowful Mother Shrine Chapel
(Bellevue, Ohio) - stained glass, Jesus Zealous for Souls - detail,
via Wikimedia Commons
Kommentare (0)
Melde dich an, um einen Kommentar zu schreiben.