Thursday 27 July

Exodus 19:1–2,9–11,16–20; Dan 3:52-56; Matthew 13:10–17

Speaking in parables

To the disciples ‘it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven.’ They have responded to this gift given them by God. Faith is a gift. As yet, the eager crowd are not at that point, explains Jesus, so to them he speaks in parables. Jesus speaks with mercy about this crowd desiring they may ‘turn – and I would heal them’ (13:15). ‘Turn’ here means the biblical sense of conversion. In what ways do I need to ‘turn’ to Jesus? What is my attitude to those yet to ‘turn’ to Jesus? Do I speak and act with mercy?