'The disciples approached him and said, “Why do you speak to them in parables?” He said to them in reply, “Because knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven has been granted to you, but to them it has not been granted. To anyone who has, more will be given and he will grow rich; from anyone who has not, even what he has will be taken away. This is why I speak to them in parables, because ‘they look but do not see and hear but do not listen or understand.’ Isaiah’s prophecy is fulfilled in them, which says: ‘You shall indeed hear but not understand, you shall indeed look but never see. Gross is the heart of this people, they will hardly hear with their ears, they have closed their eyes, lest they see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and be converted, and I heal them (Mt. 13:10-15).'
Knowledge of the mysteries of the Kingdom of heaven, with respect to God’s hidden plan for establishing His kingdom by defeating the forces of evil, has been revealed to the disciples but not to those who have not accepted Jesus. From a spiritual perspective, anyone who is willing to open himself to God’ revelation of his plan of salvation through Jesus will get some understanding of it. Those who do not accept Jesus will not be able to hear and understand the Word, and God will take way the opportunity to gain knowledge of the Mysteries of the Kingdom.
Almighty God, you freely grant grace in accordance with your will to those who love you. Help us to accept the gifts you shower upon us so that we may truly understand the Gospel and enter ever more deeply into our relationship with you. This we pray through Christ our Lord. Amen!
References:
Raymond E. Brown, Joseph A. Fitzmyer, & Roland E. Murphy, (Eds.). (1990, 1968). The New Jerome Biblical Commentary. Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey: Prentis Hall, Inc.
Jose M. Casciaro, Santiago Ausin, Gonzalo Aranda, Claudio Basevi, Vincente Balaguer, Francisco Varo, James Gavigan, Brian McCarthy & Thomas McGovern (Eds.). (2017). The Navarre Bible - New Testament. Dublin 8, Ireland: Four Courts Press.
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