A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Mt 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. To anyone who has, more will be given and he will grow rich; from anyone who has not, even what he has will be taken away. . . . Amen, I say to you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.”
Today’s Gospel takes place immediately after Jesus teaches the crowds by the sea. Afterward, the disciples approach him and ask why he speaks to the crowds in parables. The disciples who are close to Jesus are granted knowledge of the kingdom of heaven, but many in the crowd have not been given the same knowledge. The parables enrich those who know little of the kingdom but are open to hearing the words of Jesus. Of the disciples, Jesus says, “To anyone who has, more will be given and he will grow rich; from anyone who has not, even what he has will be taken away.” To grow rich in the knowledge of the kingdom is to hear and receive the richness of Christ’s mercy through his word and in the sacraments.
God, help me comprehend the incomprehensible gift of Jesus your Son seen and heard on this earth and alive in his Church today. I am easily distracted by myriad thoughts even as I participate in the celebration of the Mass. Give me the grace of longing for your word so that I can grow rich in all that you offer me every day. Just as the Israelites prepared themselves to see and hear you in peals of lightning and thunder, let me be ready to listen out for your voice today; let me be open to conversion of heart to receive your unfathomable healing and mercy.
From the responsorial psalm: “Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of our fathers, praiseworthy and exalted above all forever; And blessed is your holy and glorious name, praiseworthy and exalted above all for all ages.” Soul of Christ, sanctify me!
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.