Word to the Wise
Thursday, July 21, 2016 - Thursday in the 16th Week in Ordinary Time
[Jer 2:1-3, 7-8, 12-13 and Matt 13:10-17]The disciples approached Jesus and said, "Why do you speak to the crowd in parables?" 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." [Matthew]
Many years ago I saw the movie, THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW, directed by an Italian named Pier Pasolini. I remember thinking that his portrait of Jesus was very blunt and even seemed sour and angry at times. Yet, there are times in this gospel where Jesus does appear to be "in your face" or "my way or the highway." He seems to dare people to follow him. The parables are meant to get people to think about his message and make a decision. After telling the parable of the seed and the sower, he tells the disciples that they should be glad they have the understanding that they do have, because the crowds simply haven't recognized the gift that is being offered.
Scripture scholars debate the exact definition of a parable, but that is not relevant to the important process of hearing what Jesus is trying to say. Furthermore, there is an indirect challenge to all disciples and teachers of the faith. If the parables of Jesus in their references to everyday life in Palestine are not descriptive of our own situation, then perhaps we should find a way to use new parables and imitate Jesus' style. If we remember that the Gospel of Matthew presents Jesus as a "new Moses," we might remember that Moses could be quite confrontational with the Chosen People. The important thing is to get the message about Jesus to the world. The audience may be stubborn and resist, or they may joyfully accept the message. Either way, we still have to preach it. We can use the parables the Lord used in his ministry or we can ask the Holy Spirit to help us find new ones. AMEN