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...
