Matthew 13:10-17

If there is one thing that attracted people to Jesus, it’s that he told stories. Not only was he a very good story teller, but his stories were simple, relevant, deep, and profound. These are the stories we call parables.

The Gospel of Luke has 24 parables; the Gospel of Matthew has 23 parables; and the Gospel of Mark has 8 parables. 

Jesus reminds us that the lessons we learn from these parables make us grow rich, not necessarily in materials things, but in the things that matter in life.

Three parables that we can reflect on:

1. The Parable of Talents. God put us in this world for a reason and purpose. He gave us a calling, mission and purpose. He also gave each of us a talent. I often watch the many shows on TV like Asia’s Got Talent, Pilipinas Got Talent and America Got Talent. It is so inspiring to see people who have so much difficulty in life yet are able to touch people’s lives with their God given talent. Compare that to people who do nothing in life either because they are lazy, have the “victim” mentality or they just want a good time. What a waste of talent.
   
2. The Parable of Rich Fool. This is the story of today’s generation. We just want money. Some want it instant, some work hard for it, some steal it. The bottom line: it is all about money. We were once talking about the lady in news who embezzled about Php 900 million. One commented, “Stealing is already a sin, but greed is another thing. Could one be content with stealing Php 100 million?” We forget one important reality: when it is our time, we are going to leave everything behind.
   
3. The Parable of the Prodigal Son. How many families have been destroyed because of fighting over money, inheritance, jewelry, assets and land? The poor father, after working very hard to give his children a better life, ends up feeling like a failure when his two children fight over the money. Hence, we remember the words of Fr. Patrick Peyton: “The family that prayers together, stays together.”

In each Mass, we continue to reflect on what is really important in life with the many stories that we encounter: Love of God and Love of Neighbor.