Daily Reflections ...

Do you have a list of questions you’re waiting to ask Jesus when you get to heaven? I know I do. What about those moments that just don’t make sense; when we wonder why he allows us to experience pain or heartache; why he doesn’t intervene when we make poor choices… the list goes on!

In the first part of today’s Gospel we read “The disciples came and asked him, ‘Why do you speak to them in parables?’” (Mt 13:10). Jesus is doing something that doesn’t make sense to them and so they ask him to explain, to help them understand where he’s coming from. I find myself thinking about how great it would be to have Jesus right there with you to ask when his actions are puzzling. As the scripture goes on, we see Jesus stop and take the time to share his perspective, and in the process, provide some subtle wisdom about the difference between hearing and listening.

Jesus does walk with us, and we also have the opportunity to talk to him any time we like, but how often do we stop to listen to his response. As today’s scripture reminds us, we can all ‘hear’ the same information, the same message, but if we don’t stop to listen – to internalise, process, understand – it’s capacity to be helpful is diminished.

Jesus, please help us to listen to you today.

by Emma Plant