Second Teaching
15th Sunday in Ordinary Time (A)
After preaching to the crowds, Jesus has a second session of teaching with his close disciples. This is something that is seen regularly in the Gospels. In the first preaching the seed of the word of God is sown, but there is as yet little understanding. Jesus deliberately speaks in parables, whose meaning remains shrouded: “they look but do not see and hear but do not listen or understand” (Mt 13:13). Only with the second meeting comes understanding: “But blessed are your eyes, because they see, and your ears, because they hear” (Mt 13:16).
In the Sunday Mass, the Word of God is proclaimed to the crowds each week from the lectionary. Jesus continues to teach the worldwide congregation from the boat today. However, Sunday Mass is not enough for a proper understanding of the lesson. This is only the “sowing” of the seed. It is easy not to pay attention or remember the readings. How easily they can “go in one ear and out the other.” What is needed is a one-on-one discussion and application of that Scripture, which actually brings the seed into the soil.
In the RCIA, the “Breaking Open of the Word” takes place after the homily, when the candidates are dismissed. In the monastic life the second meeting takes place daily in the form of “lectio divina,” an extended personal meditation on the readings. But the second meeting is a requirement for all the faithful. It is best done at home after Sunday Mass, in the afternoon or evening. Here, instead of using the lectionary or missallette, a Bible should be used directly. This meeting can also include its own “liturgy” of devotional prayer, such as the Holy Rosary.
This is the opportunity for a father to assume his role as spiritual head of the family, following upon the general teaching received at church, and explaining and applying the Gospel lesson to his children. This is the opportunity for husbands and wives to enrich each other and be formed together by their insights into the teachings of the Lord. This is the opportunity for personal questions, sharing, and discussion, which is not possible in the general assembly. Jesus, who is present to the crowds in the boat, is also present to the disciples at home afterward.
In this way the word of the Gospel will find the rich soil in which to bear fruit. The seed will not be stolen away or choked off, but brought deeply into the heart where it can take root and grow. In the second follow-up meeting it is suggested to focus on a key phrase from the readings that can be remembered and repeated throughout the week, serving as a theme for one’s good works and daily prayer. The following Sunday, there will then be a small harvest to offer the Lord, which grew out of the previous Sunday’s readings.