Parables

Then the disciples came and asked him, ‘Why do you speak to them in parables?’ He answered, ‘To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. For to those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away. The reason I speak to them in parables is that “seeing they do not perceive, and hearing they do not listen, nor do they understand.” With them indeed is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah that says: “You will indeed listen, but never understand, and you will indeed look, but never perceive. For this people’s heart has grown dull, and their ears are hard of hearing, and they have shut their eyes; so that they might not look with their eyes, and listen with their ears, and understand with their heart and turn— and I would heal them.” But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear. Truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, but did not see it, and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it. Matthew 13:10-17

Great Creator, author all our stories

we listen in the wind to your song

look into the waters for your spirit

and seek your direction from the stars.

You have blessed us with all our needs

healed our broken places and people

repeated the stories to our children

and rejoiced when we followed you.

We are a stubborn lot and don't listen

wanting instead to change all the rules

hoping to create something better

than the perfect love you have given us.

Give us new ears to listen in new ways

new eyes to see your face in the crowd

new hearts to love where we are called

and hands to serve where we are sent. Amen.