October 26, 2011

Reflection (The readings are below, for your reference)

It is only by choosing to be in the presence of God that I might see, even a little bit. Only by choosing to listen for God’s word that I might hear, even a little bit. It is only by choosing to let go of my obsession with the non-essential that I might come to understand the essential, even a little bit.

Gracious loving God, open my eyes and ears, guide my understanding, that I might see you more clearly, love you more dearly, follow you more nearly, day by day.

Namaste

The Readings

Ezra 6:1-22

Revelation 5:1-10

Matthew 13:10-17

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.