Understanding

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: Some people are able to quote scripture at will, even citing the chapter and verse.

That’s an envious situation for many, if not impressive.

Those impressed by it desire that they too would want to do it; quoting scripture text at will, along with the chapter and verses.

In my experience of life; I have not always been impressed by such an activity.

There have been moments when someone has quoted it because one has memorized it deliberately, so as to impress.

They do impress, as men, having a good memory and healthy mind and nothing more, but only a fool will get carried away by their exposition.

This in no way takes away from the many who quote because the mind speaks with the grace and anointing that comes with the help of the Holy Spirit. 

Knowing the difference, I often have to correct people who are generally impressed and express their desire to memorize scripture.

I tell them not to do so but instead the approach they need to have towards scripture is not that of memorizing but that of understanding and trying to make it their own first. 

This should be done in an atmosphere of humble prayer.

And thus if grace permits them to remember and to quote in situations and circumstances, in their teachings and instructions, then it will add beauty to such noble activities.

In the parable Jesus indirectly highlights the difference between the mere stocking of our brains with  either knowledge or understanding.

We should aim at understanding the word, then will Satan not be able to take away the word from us but if we instead seek to store it as knowledge then he will be able to take it away from us and much more; the word along with the anointing that accompanies his word. 

Prayer: Through thy precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way. Thy word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Ps 119:104-105

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