Sunday, July 19, 2026
In last week’s Gospel, we read and heard the parable of the Sower, and this week’s Gospel reading gives us three more parables to ponder. Each time, after Jesus spoke and dismissed the crowds, His disciples approached Him and asked, “Why do you speak to them in parables?”—Matthew 13:10 and “Explain to us the parable”—v. 36. Does Jesus’ use of parables make His teachings more complex to comprehend? And why was His answer to the disciples’ questions regarding the use of parables unexpected?
In using parables, Jesus was not being evasive or confusing or concealing the truth with indifference. He used parables to provoke deeper reflection and invite the listeners to exercise freedom in being open and receptive to the truths that He was teaching and committed to following Him. This openness distinguishes those who seek understanding and those who simply hear His message and choose to remain in darkness. Jesus used parables to ignite the soul and awaken the mind. The parables He used compel us to feel, to wrestle with our inner doubts, and to reflect deeply, transforming simple words into life-changing truths. They push us beyond surface-level understanding, stirring a passionate desire to seek meaning. For instance, instead of giving a mere answer of definition in response to “Who is my neighbor?” Jesus passionately tells the story of the Good Samaritan, inviting us to see with new eyes and open our hearts wider than ever before to the true answer to the question. In the parable of the Sower, seeds fall either on the path, on rocky ground, among thorns, or on rich soil. This is a clear visual that easily leads people to obvious conclusions, for everyone knows that rich soil is the ideal fertile and generative ground. Therefore, parables easily draw the listener in so as to understand Christ’s teachings. His stories become parables for us when deeper lessons are learned.
Parables serve as a true invitation to enter the kingdom. Christ calls for a radical choice, but he does not coerce salvation; rather, he lets the hearer respond freely. The Church teaches, “Jesus’ invitation to enter his kingdom comes in the form of parables, a characteristic feature of his teaching. Through his parables he invites people to the feast of the kingdom, but he also asks for a radical choice: to gain the kingdom, one must give everything. Words are not enough, deeds are required. The parables are like mirrors for man: will he be hard soil or good earth for the word? What use has he made of the talents he has received? Jesus and the presence of the kingdom in this world are secretly at the heart of the parables. One must enter the kingdom, that is, become a disciple of Christ, in order to “know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven”. For those who stay “outside”, everything remains enigmatic.”— Catechism §546.
The practical question is whether we’re like hard soil or good earth. When we hear God’s message, do we allow it to convert us or only inform us? When we notice weeds, stubborn sins, or harmful behaviors, do we trust in Jesus’s patience and take small steps? When prayer feels difficult, do we give up, or do we keep turning toward God in faith?
Go in Peace to Love and Serve the Lord.