Preparation for Total Consecration

WEEK 4:
KNOWLEDGE OF OUR LORD

The New Testament is largely the result of the impact made on the early Church by the risen Jesus; he is Lord. In that light they were 'christened' - baptised into his Church, and there contemplated and tried to live his teaching. We, like them, should want to enjoy a present relationship with our risen Lord as reflected in the Gospel.

Third Day: Lk. 8: 9, 10

INSIDE OR OUTSIDE?

Parable.When his disciples asked him what this parable of the Sower meant, he said, 'To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of God; but for others they are in parables, so that seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand'.

Reflection.There has been very much discussion of what this means. It seems that Jesus is emphasising a distinction between the disciples - 'to you' - and those on the edge of the crowd - 'others'. He is trying to reveal what the kingdom of God is like, attempting to make God real to his hearers. He does it by means of parables, stories or comparisons, inviting his listeners to think. What is he trying to tell me speaking like this?

Naturally, these will be understood and made part of myself only in so far as I give the speaker a chance. There must be a degree of openness and receptivity and sympathy for his words to register. Those, like the disciples and outcasts generally who do this, may be drawn to Jesus: 'Tell us more'. They respond to the challenges and hidden depths.

Others, on the outside, stay on the level of story. They do not take the meaning of what Jesus is saying, perhaps because they never really listen, or are afraid of the challenge to change their minds and way of living. 'None so blind as those who will not see', we say, and Jesus speaks similarly of the general lack of response to a prophet's message.

At times, Jesus spoke in words of one syllable, his meaning unmistakeably plain: 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. Whoever loses his life for my sake will save it' (Lk. 9: 23, 24). Saint Luke is particularly blunt in his presentation - 'daily'. This could frighten many. Does it frighten us? Do we know the Lord who could make such a claim on us? The parables may not be as blunt, but they are as real, trying to engage our minds and hearts. Am I on the inside willing to listen, or outside not wanting to hear?

Prayer.Lord Jesus, we are besieged by so many words. Do we find a place for yours? Silence can frighten many of us: we may be so invaded by noise that we rarely have the attention to listen to you. Are we afraid of the challenge of being with you and listening to you?

May the immaculate heart of your Mother, who kept so much in her heart, encourage our hearts to be attentive, as we listen to you.

Montfort.'Mary is God's garden of paradise ... into which his Son entered ... to tend it and to take his delight in it' (SM 20).