Daily Reflection for Thursday, July 21, 2022
Peace and Blessings, Friends and Parishioners,
We encourage you to reflect on Thursday's readings at this link:
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/072122.cfm
If you prefer to use your own Bible, the readings are:
First Reading: Jeremiah 2:1-3, 7-8, 12-13
Responsorial: Psalm 36:6-7AB, 8-9, 10-11
Gospel: Matthew 13:10-17
Our reflection on Thursday’s readings:
This is why I speak to them in parables, because they look but do not see and hear but do not listen or understand. (Matthew 13:13)
Recently, I was invited to go to a service at another church that was of a different denomination than my own Catholic tradition. I was curious and wanted to see how others worship on Sunday. The service was filled with contemporary beats and heartfelt music that the congregation could not help but to stand up and move to the music and words. In the front rows, I observed a good-sized group of young people enjoying the music and the artists that brought the words to life.
In the Gospel today, Jesus gives us an insight to why he uses parables when he shares the Good News. This is why I speak to them in parables because they look but do not see and hear but do not listen or understand. He is the master storyteller. He tells stories that people can understand and uses cultural context in delivering His message. He meets people where they are and starts from there.
As I sat there and watched the youth engaged in the service, I wondered if perhaps this music parallels with the effectiveness of parables. When so many parishes are struggling to reach the youth of today, I wonder if we could learn from other Christian sisters and brothers from different denominations. The message was about Jesus’ grace, mercy, and love. It was the Good News shared in a way young folk could understand.
In a world that is so divisive, I left the service wondering how do we break through the walls of misperceptions and false assumptions in order to share gifts of worship with one another. What do parables of today sound like so that those who may not understand God’s love for them can have a chance to see and hear the Good News in a way they would understand?
May you hear and see the Good News today,
Margarita Solis Deal