Spiritual Content

Saturday. [Rom. 8:14-21; Matt. 9:9-13] When someone, by his fear of God and the demands of his con?science already has an awakened thirst for spiritual things, he pos?sesses a certain sense enabling him to understand the meaning of words relating to the spiritual sphere, although they might be clothed in the form of a parable. For such people a parable does not hide the truth, but rather reveals it even more clearly. But he who is not of this disposition does not understand any spiritual content described in the form of a parable. Even if one were to offer him a word on these subjects that was not in the form of a parable he would only understand the words, and not comprehend the essence of the matter. It would go a?gainst all of his notions, and seem to him to be an absurdity which he would not hesitate to mock. This is precisely why the Lord talked to the people in parables. Whoever is spir?itually inclined will understand a parable, whereas someone with no inclinations will not understand no matter what you say. Because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand… For this people’s heart is waxed gross (Matt. 13:12-15). Meanwhile, the parable did not deprive of needed instruction those who were capable of seeing the hidden truth: For who?soever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance.

Saint Theophan the Recluse