the secret of the kingdom

First Reading: Psalm: Gospel:

Hebrews 10:11-18 Psalm 110:1-4 Mark 4:1-20

Mark 4:11 And he said to them, "To you has been given the secret of the kingdom of God, but for those outside everything is in parables;

To them (the Apostles) the mystery of the Kingdom of Heaven has been revealed, but to the others it has not. Does this mean that Jesus didn't teach or share with the non- initiated? No, but he did speak in parables.

There are ways to share the Gospel and to teach using examples of this world. We can do it in art, music, literature ... We can do it using examples in business and sports etc... We can share the message of the Gospel in all kinds of ways with non- believers.

There are many Christians who frown on giving a message that doesn't identify Jesus and the explicit plan of salvation. They would say that this stuff, this art, this music, is not valuable since the message is hidden as best, though many would say it not even there. But, to the uninitiated, this may be the best way to soften them, and then perhaps they will repent and turn from their evil ways and seek God's forgiveness. And for us, let us not assume that we are not blind and have no need of this humble and gracious means of God's grace.

Father, help me by your Holy Spirit to know the mystery of the Kingdom and to live in it's truth, but help me to understand that everybody doesn't know it and that I can share with them through parables as you did through Christ Jesus.

Amen