Understanding Heart

Today’s Gospel Text: "Hear then the parable of the sower. 19 When any one hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what is sown in his heart; this is what was sown along the path. 20 As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; 21 yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away. 22 As for what was sown among thorns, this is he who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the delight in riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. 23 As for what was sown on good soil, this is he who hears the word and understands it; he indeed bears fruit, and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty." Matt 13:18-23

Reflection:  Who said that you have to be doers of the word not just hearers? Of course we have to be doers of the word as James the Apostle puts it in his letter, Chp. 1:22-25: “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if any one is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who observes his natural face in a mirror;  for he observes himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But he who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer that forgets but a doer that acts, he shall be blessed in his doing.”

Yet, it is not enough to carry this message in practical living. If we do we will be living in a heresy of Pelaginism, thinking that good works based on the law of the word will save us.

We could also be living like the Pharisees who lived the word by interpreting it and putting it into practice.

So then what’s wrong in living by the word of God and being doers of the word?

There is a stage in between hearing and doing, it is one of understanding or receiving the word with meekness of heart. (cfr. vs. 19) In fact, UNDERSTANDING is the most important part or the only important part in living as true Dedicated Disciples of Christ Jesus.

How can you say that? Then what happens to doing or action?

All those things will come about in due time, if there is understanding with the grace of Christ.

Understanding is like a food item which you may have tasted before and never cared much about it. Now somebody takes you for tasting the same dish to a specialist and it all tastes so good that you really want to taste it again and again, even wanting others to taste it.

Such are the Christians whom Christ wants to be his Dedicated Disciples, who seek to understand his word, because ; like a true master chef,. Jesus knows that what he has to offer is the best. It is the truth, if really savored well then one will find real meaning and taste. It is not like any other so called holy word, but a time tested word, that has to be relished. He who relishes it will even go and tell others about it.

This very reason James begins his injunction with this exhortation: “Therefore put away all filthiness and rank growth of wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.” Jas 1:21

Prayer: “Give me understanding, that I may keep thy law and observe it with my whole heart.” Ps 119:34

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