Reading and meditation on the Word of God on Thursday of the 16th week in ordinary time, July 23, 2026

Delivered by Father Peter Tukan, SDB from Salesian Don Bosco Gerak in the Diocese of Labuan Bajo, Indonesia. Jeremiah 2: 1-3.7-8.12-13. Rs psalm 36: 6-7ab.8-11; Matthew 13: 10-17.WAY TO UNDERSTAND HIM Our meditation today has the theme: Way To UnderstandHim. There were three girls who fell in love with a young man who was of theirage. Each girl always tried to win the heart of the young man with her best wayof appearance. Sometimes they competed unfairly in the manner that one tendedto highlight the weaknesses of her other friends. Sometimes they competed in ahealthy and positive way in order to show the real personality each of them. The young man also had his own way to appear nicely toeach girl who was so fond of him. As time went on, each of them became boredand tired. The three girls were confused about who really deserved to be thebest and chosen, because it was not possible for all three of them to bechosen. The three of them agreed to discuss about this. They finally concludedthat the young man would definitely have his own way to understand them and tochoose only one whom he loved. This illustration shows how love is expressed. Aself-expression certainly has a peculiar quality to make other people havetheir impressions on it. A good impression would normally develop the feelingof attraction. A guitarist appears so talented, then those who have passion formusic would be attracted to him. A person's self-expression aims to make otherpeople understand about him and they normally support him. If this is a kind of human attractiveness that deservesappreciation by all of us, it should be all the more the attractiveness ofGod's love that always move our hearts to be in love with Him and to love ourfellow brothers and sisters as well. The Lord first revealed Himself to ushumans. The quality and power of the expressions of His love are beyond the oneof ours, simply because God incarnates in us. Through incarnation He purifies,empowers and perfects our lives in the world. He reveals Himself in order tosanctify the world and all of us. To the Israelites, God had revealed Himself as theLord who was so kind and merciful to them for their obedience and faithfulness.But He also became the Lord who had punished this people because of theirungratefulness and sinfulness. Jesus also made His listeners understand Himthrough His various ways of preaching or teaching. He uses parables, so thatHis listeners understand that He is so concerned about those who are humble,suffering, alienated and persecuted. He also opened the mind of those who aregreat, powerful, rich, proud, and smart but they were not willing to accept andunderstand Him. So we have a duty to be always ready to understand theLord who reveals Himself through His words and deeds that help our faith grow.But we also have the same important task to make our neighbors understand usfor the witnesses of our faith. This is also the way we serve others. Let'spray. In the name of the Father ... O Lord Jesus Christ, help us to always havegood and true understanding about You and our neighbors. Our Father who art inheaven ... In the name of the Father ...