Why speak in parables, Lord?

By Fr. Roy Cimagala

WHEN the disciples asked Christ why he spoke in parables, his answer was simple and direct: “Because they look but do not see, and they hear but do not listen or understand.” (Mt. 13:13) Later, he explained the deeper reason. They did not want to be converted.

That answer should make us examine ourselves. Christ’s parables are much more than memorable stories. They reveal the mysteries of the Kingdom of God to those who approach him with faith and humility.

At the same time, they test the disposition of every listener. Those who sincerely seek God receive light. Those who close themselves to him remain confused. The problem is not with the message but with the heart that refuses to receive it.

The same principle applies to all the truths of our faith. Faith has to come first. Reason is indispensable, but it has to be enlightened by faith. Human intelligence, no matter how brilliant, has its limits. Left on its own, it can only grasp what is visible and measurable. God’s truth goes beyond what our natural powers can discover. It is first a gift to be received before it can be fully understood.

That’s why humility is indispensable. God generously offers us the gift of faith. But if we are full of pride, self-sufficiency, or the illusion that we already know enough, there is hardly any room for that gift to enter. A humble soul is always willing to listen. It allows God to speak, even when his message challenges personal opinions, worldly standards, or cherished preferences.

We should also be wary of relying only on our senses, feelings, or purely human reasoning. Valuable as they are, they perceive only the external side of reality. By themselves, they cannot penetrate the spiritual and supernatural dimension that gives ultimate meaning to everything.

In fact, our emotions and opinions can easily dominate us. They often judge according to appearances, convenience, or immediate satisfaction. Without faith, we become blind to God’s action in our daily life. We may mistake temporary success for lasting happiness or see suffering as something completely meaningless.

That is why our senses, emotions, and reasoning have to be educated by faith. They need to be purified and elevated through prayer, the sacraments, meditation on God’s word, and constant conversion. Faith does not suppress our human faculties. It perfects them.

Once faith enlightens us, everything begins to look different. We start seeing reality from God’s perspective. Faith is a participation in God’s own knowledge. It allows us to glimpse his loving providence behind every event of our life.

Even suffering changes its meaning. Setbacks, failures, sickness, disappointments, and injustices need not lead us to despair. God can draw good from every situation. Nothing escapes his wise and merciful providence. As St. Paul reminds us, “all things work together for good for those who love God.” (Rom. 8:28)

Faith also broadens our horizon. It teaches us to accept mysteries we cannot fully explain. It keeps hope alive amid uncertainty. It enables us to practice charity even toward those who misunderstand or hurt us. Instead of becoming bitter, we become more generous.

Above all, faith gives us lasting peace and joy. These do not depend on favorable circumstances but on the certainty that God is always with us, guiding everything toward our eternal good. With faith, we discover beauty where others see only ugliness, hope where others see only despair, and purpose where others see only meaninglessness.

That is why Christ continues to speak in parables. They are not riddles meant to confuse us but invitations to conversion. They call us to open our minds and hearts to God. Only then can we see reality as it truly is—with the eyes of faith.

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com