--- title: Daily Readings Reflection for 7/23/09 description: Daily Readings Reflection for 7/23/09 --- [![catholic-mom-logo-v2](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/_catholicmom/images/catholic-mom-logo-v2.svg "catholic-mom-logo-v2")](https://www.catholicmom.com/) [![facebook](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/_catholicmom/icons/social-icon-facebook.svg)](http://www.facebook.com/CatholicMomCommunity) [![twitter](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/_catholicmom/icons/social-icon-twitter.svg)](http://twitter.com/CatholicMomCom) [![instagram](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/_catholicmom/icons/social-icon-instagram.svg)](http://instagram.com/catholicmomcommunity) [![youtube](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/_catholicmom/icons/social-icon-youtube.svg)](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAuUqHCVPDzyMgSMaMZxxug?view_as=subscriber) [![search-icon](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/_catholicmom/icons/search-icon.svg)](https://www.catholicmom.com/articles/2009/07/23/daily-readings-reflection-for-72309#) # Daily Readings Reflection for 7/23/09 Jul 23, 2009 10:00:05 AM  |  by [Guest](https://www.catholicmom.com/articles/author/guest) Reflection on the Daily Readings for 7/23/09 by Fr. Bertrand Buby, SM [Today’s Readings](http://www.usccb.org/nab/) Scripture: Thurs. of 16th week. Exodus 19:1-2.9-11.16-20. Daniel 3:52.53.54.55.56. Matthew 13:10-17. Lectionary # 398: Parables are puzzling. We often allegorize them by taking each thought and then saying it applies to this; the next one to something else and so on. But the gift of a parable is that it is saying one thing that Jesus is emphasizing. And it usually fits into the fact of his preaching that the kingdom of God has arrived and is near within our reach.  It even is in our hearts when we truly listen and put into practice what God wants of us.  It is a response of love.  The disciples themselves are questioning why Jesus uses parables.  The Evangelists sometimes take the parable and allegorize it but the primary thrust of a parable is that it is saying one thing. Jesus assures the disciples that they have heard the parable and are, after following him and listening to him, privileged to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God. We hear many parables from the Gospels but it is Matthew who is emphasizing the parables of the kingdom of God and that should tell us that the kingdom of God consists here on earth in doing what Jesus does--the will of God the Father. No small task. We, like the disciples, must pass from just hearing them and doing some analysis and go on toward becoming disciples, that is learners who follow Jesus in doing the will of the Father. Then the parables will start to make sense in the larger framework that Jesus is concerned about and brings about.  We are all part of salvation history. God is at work within us as we journey on in our faith.  We have started by listening, then we ponder over the words of Jesus and by persevering in this endeavor we learn, that is, we become disciples (this means a learner). Learners then become friends of Jesus and are invited to know the mysteris of the kingdom of God. Certain congregations and religious communities have a list of virtues they practice, or frame the virtues within the vowed life. Others even have systems of virtues. These are the acts of faith which help one to progress in the way of discipleship. There are preliminary virtues, virtues of progress, and finally, the consummate virtues of faith, hope, and love. All virtues work together and help the other virtues to grow. Thus by practicing one, we learn how to practice the others. We then become familiar with them and familiarity is a trait that shows we are disciples of Jesus. Parables are better lived out with the listening of the heart rather than rationalized and analyzed. Jesus did the will of God whenever he talked about it.  His words and saving actions touch the whole person and enable us to enter into who he is for us today.  Jesus has truly blessed us with his words, deeds, and presence. 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