July 26, 2007- Sts. Joachim and Anne

Readings: Ex 19:1-2, 9-11, 16-20b, Daniel 3:52, 53, 54, 55, 56, Mt 13:10-17


In the gospel today, Christ speaks of hearing and not understanding. Looking but not seeing. He states this because his disciples were asking about why he was speaking in parables. The truth behind his genius is making the message of the Gospel relavent to them in a way that they understand. For example, if you look at the image of the Good Sheperd (John 10:1-20). One of the important jobs was that of the sheep herder. Thus, the people that he was talking to understood well the role of the sheperd and the importance of the sheperd for the flock. The people understood and what he said would stick with them.



Today, we are challenged to help the modern world understand the parables and incorporate their truths into our lives. The Word of God is made present to us when it is proclaimed. It is made and alive and new when proclaimed at Mass. Thus, the homily is a key part of the Good News and must be treated as the sacred duty it is. Future priests must strive to bring the sound doctrine to the world. All of us in the pews must be attentive to the voice of the Lord in the scriptures and what the homily states and dwell on them. This is how we grow we listen to the Lord and the Church and we work to perfect and change our lives into lives of service to Christ and his church.