19: Spiritual Theology, “the explanation of everything”

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...