After
mentioning the main Parables told by Jesus, Mark says: “with
many such parables he spoke the Word to them as they were able to
understand it.
Without parables he did not speak to them, but to
his own disciples he explained everything in private. “
(Mk 4:26-34)
“he
spoke as they were able to understand”
One
can say about Jesus: “two weights, two measures”. Why
Jesus speaks to everybody in
parables, but, privately, to his own disciples He explains
everything? (Mk
4:26-34) Why does Jesus make a difference between people? One can
find it unfair, non equitable. Why Jesus never tries to say
something? (“Without Parables He did not speak to them”)
The
text still adds a possible explanation: Jesus spoke to people “as
they were able to understand it”. He adapts what He wants to say to
their capacity and ability. “Whoever
has will be given more” (Mk 4:25). I hear it this way: whoever has
capacity to hear will be given more. This is why Jesus invites us to
pay attention to the
way we hear things
(see Mk 4:24). He invites us to pay attention not to “what we
hear”, but to “the way we hear it”. I like that! It is much
more than a simple nuance. He adds that the measure with which we
hear will be used for us (see Mk 4:24): “with the measure you use,
it will be measured to you”. This has the great effect of
increasing the capacity of receptivity: “and still more will be
added to you”.
As
a conclusion, for that apparent unfair treatment, one can say that in
a way, it is up tu us to increase our capacity of receiving. It is by
the effect of a magnanimity that one can change. I would define this
virtue this way: believing that I am worth it, that I deserve it. It is a kind of a self-esteem decision. Do you see yourself, your
soul, big or small? “magna” = big. “Anima” = Soul.
Magna-anim(a)ity.
This
is a very interesting advice: telling us how a good decision can
snowball. The more one gives attention to how he listens, the more he
receives a greater capacity for attention. It is a “positive thinking” method.
Spiritual
Theology, “the explanation of everything”
Can
we consider that “Spiritual Theology” is “the explanation of
everything”, as stated by saint Mark passage? Let us remember first
that this passage is about the Parables and their explanation. The
Parables are like 'phase two' of the development of Jesus
teaching. 'Phase one' is the Sermon on the Mount, a 'Baptismal Predication', a first teaching about the fundamentals of Christianity.
The Seed is given.
In
phase two, the Seed will have to grow, develop and open new
dimensions in us, in our soul. 'Phase two', by definition, witnesses a growth in our soul, it is enlarged and its horizon grows.
Let
us remember the fact that the parables spoke a lot about growth: "To
what shall we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable can we use
for it?
It is like a mustard seed that, when it is sown in the
ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on the earth.
But once it
is sown, it springs up and becomes the largest of plants and puts
forth large branches, so that the birds of the sky can dwell in its
shade." (Mk 4,30-32) (see as well the parable mentioned before)
The
Science that is in charge of describing the development of the Seed
of Baptism, until it reaches its completion in the Union with Jesus,
is “Spiritual Theology”.
Indeed
studying and putting in practice, with discernment (with the guidance
of a Spiritual Master), what we learnt about spiritual growth should make us
understand that this is “Spiritual Theology”.
Throughout
the ages, “Spiritual Theology” gave us many interpretations of
various subjects, and developed our understanding of the journey of growth, inner growth. How the 'new man' in us grows, how Jesus in us transforms us and grows in us.
One
has then to investigate and decide:
1-
Is Spiritual Theology important? Why? How?
2-
If so, how far is it important? Why? How?
3-
One has to draw the conclusion, with positive thinking, to open the
possibility of learning it. Magnanimity...
I hope that helps...
I hope that helps...
2 comments:
What can one do to increase to increase his/her capacity to hear? Is this simply through the daily practice of Lectio Divina?
Well if you want: yes. But it is mainly "how we want to listen". It is a general attitude that could be applied in many fields.
Personally, the main area where I applied it is the Bible, yes... so mainly the Lectio , but not only the lectio. I do read, meditate, pray, and prepare my courses with the Bible.
The apparent (but not real) holes in the Bible, the apparent contradictions, mysteries, in the Bible, New and Old Testament, always triggered my "curiosity", they sort of always reminded me that advice: how do you read us?
And the amazing thing is that in this journey, the Holy Spirit taught me exactly as He did with the Fathers of the Church (which is a confirmation). Open, open, open your mind, your vision, accept to be challenged by God, everyday, accept to change, even completely your way of seeing things. Think laterally, God does it...
The Holy Scriptures are full of Mysteries,.... it never stops... don't close the door to "new things", God always makes "new things"... pay attention to the way you listen, the way you hear things... be flexible... you'll be rewarded greatly... Mary is the best "caisse de résonnance" (resonance chamber), the best "symbolon" (the place that gathers the Whole, the Big Christ (Head and Body)), the best "place" to find the "new ways" of listening... she is the 'Good Earth' (Mt 13)... the only one... but she is Immense...
Happy, Amazing, Journey to you...
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