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The Followers of Jesus Are Distinguished By Their Hearts

Fr. Hugh Gillespie, SMM

The Followers of Jesus Are Distinguished By Their Hearts

 

The scriptures convey a twofold meaning in today’s context, and it is crucial to grasp this idea to fully comprehend the Gospel.

In today’s Gospel, we encounter the parable of the Sower, who sows seeds in various types of soil: shallow, rocky, weedy, and fertile.

However, there is a second, less apparent type of sowing discussed by the Lord – the sowing of one’s heart. Understanding both forms of sowing is the key, and the Homily can shed light on these teachings.

A vast crowd gathers to hear the Lord, necessitating Him to stand on a boat to address everyone. Ironically, despite the crowd’s presence, the Lord speaks in parables because they fail to truly listen. This irony is explored further in the Homily.

Although the crowd hears the words, many do not comprehend their meaning. Later, the disciples inquire why Jesus speaks in parables, to which He responds that the people hear but do not truly listen. Their ears work fine, but the words do not penetrate their hearts. The Homily delves deeper into this issue.

Jesus continues His conversation with the disciples, explaining that they have been granted understanding of the kingdom’s mysteries, while the crowd has not. This is not due to the Lord withholding grace from the crowd, but because those who have committed themselves to Christ and opened their hearts can both hear and comprehend. For them, listening begins from the heart.

A notable difference emerges between the crowd and the disciples. The crowd does not seek an explanation of the parables, which would indicate genuine listening, unlike the disciples who actively seek deeper understanding.

Listen more to: The Followers of Jesus Are Distinguished By Their Hearts. Listen to this Meditation Media.

Pompeo Batoni (1708-1787)

In 1760, Pompeo Batoni painted the Sacred Heart of Jesus. This work became the official image for the popular devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and was inspired by the apparition of Jesus, under the title of the Sacred Heart, to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque.

The Followers of Jesus Are Distinguished By Their Hearts

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