Scripture:
Exodus 19:1-2, 9-11
Matthew 13:10-17
Reflection:
They look but do not see and hear but do not listen or understand.
Seems like I’ve heard these words from Matthew’s gospel before! I know I heard them from my mother. “Open your eyes Terry, it’s right in front of you! If it was a snake it would bite you!” “Listen when I talk to you; I told you to do this three times today!”
I’ve also heard those words from teachers, authority figures of all types, even my beloved wife! Now I hear the words from Jesus! “Don’t just look Terry, SEE! Don’t just hear Terry, LISTEN!” Jesus goes on to clarify toward the end of the passage from Matthew.
“Understand with your hearts and be converted.” I think to understand with my heart I have to be vulnerable. I have to be open to conversion at the deepest level in my heart. I have to change. As I age, I have to open my heart to a deeper reality. This new reality requires a change of heart.
No longer can I just look and hear on the surface of life. I need to go deeper. Going deeper demands seeing and listening with my heart. What is my heart asking of me in this present moment? Am I being asked to forgive or be forgiven, to be vulnerable to God within me, to be truly open to the human hearts I come in contact with every day, to be aware of the presence of God in creation around me?
Today’s reflection tells me to go deeper. See more, listen more, and open my heart to God within and around me. Run toward my heart and find God’s love!
Terry McDevitt, Ph.D. is a member of our Passionist Family in Louisville, Kentucky.
