MATTHEW 13:10-17 SEEING WITH THE EYES OF FAITH

Year A, Thursday of the 16th Week in Ordinary Time

In today's Gospel, the disciples ask Jesus why He speaks in parables. Jesus explains that the parables reveal the mysteries of God's Kingdom to those whose hearts are open. It is not that God wants to hide the truth; rather, the truth can only be received by those who are willing to listen with faith.

Jesus then says something very striking: "They look but do not see, and hear but do not listen or understand." How is that possible? Because seeing with our eyes is not the same as seeing with our hearts. We can hear God's Word every Sunday, receive the Eucharist regularly, and still fail to let Him change our lives.

The same can happen in our daily lives. God speaks to us in many ways—in Scripture, in prayer, in the people we meet, in moments of joy, and even in our struggles. But if our minds are too busy or our hearts are closed, we can miss what He is trying to say.

Perhaps today's Gospel invites us to ask ourselves: Do I merely hear God's Word, or do I allow it to shape the way I live? A disciple is not simply someone who listens to the Gospel but someone who lets the Gospel become a way of life.

Jesus ends with a beautiful blessing: "Blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear." May we never take that blessing for granted. Let us ask the Lord each day for eyes that recognize His presence and hearts that are ready to respond to His voice.

With Love and Prayers

Your Co-Traveler

Father Leo