Wednesday of the
Third Week in Ordinary Time
(II Samuel 7:4-17; Mark 4:1-20)
In an appeal for simplicity, “Thank God I’m a Country
Boy,” a song John Denver made famous, calls life “a funny, funny riddle.” In a similar way Jesus in today’s gospel explains
that the secrets of life are revealed in parables.
Jesus’ usage of parable seems strange, even
inimical. At first hearing he makes them
sound like riddles that are told so that people would have trouble understanding. On the other hand, parables are known today
as comparisons to help the simple-hearted believe in the mercy of God. Which explanation is correct? Unsurprisingly, both are. The parables are indeed meant to help simple
people trust in God. Sophisticated people
also may interpret them correctly. But if
sophisticates are driven by the thirst for power, pleasure, or prestige, they
will dismiss parables as foolish folk tales and be unmoved by their wisdom.
Jesus is asking that we prepare ourselves to be receptive
ground for the word of God. He wants us
to make its understanding our priority in life, preferable to watching
television, making money, or going to the gym.
To accomplish this goal we must read the word it slowly, ponder it
carefully, and pray to God to enlighten its meaning.
