"To anyone who has, more will be given and he will grow rich; from anyone who has not, even what he has will be taken away."
(Mt 13:12)

Jesus says these words in answer to his disciples who asked him why he speaks in parables. He explains that not everyone is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but only people who are open, only those who accept his words and live them.

In fact, some of those who hear him choose to close their eyes and ears so that "they look but do not see and hear but do not listen or understand" (Mt. 13:13). These are people who see and hear Jesus, but because they assume that they already know all the truth, they do not believe his words or the actions that confirm them. For this reason, they end up losing even the little they have.

"To anyone who has, more will be given and he will grow rich; from anyone who has not, even what he has will be taken away."

So then, what is the meaning of these words of Jesus? He is inviting us to open our hearts to the Word that he came to announce to us; indeed, at the end of our lives, he will ask us to give an account of how we lived it.

The Gospel writings show us that the announcement of this Word is the focus of all of Jesus' desires and actions. We see him going from one village to another, on the roads, in town squares, in the countryside, in homes and in synagogues announcing the message of salvation, addressing everyone, but especially the poor, the humble and those who had been relegated to the margins of society. He compares his Word to light, salt, yeast, to a net cast into the sea and to seeds sown in the field. He will give his life so that the fire contained in his Word may blaze.

"To anyone who has, more will be given and he will grow rich; from anyone who has not, even what he has will be taken away."

Jesus expects the Word he announced to us to transform the world. Consequently, he does not permit us to remain neutral, lukewarm or indifferent in the face of this announcement. He does not allow such a great gift, once received, to remain idle.

To underline this demand, Jesus reaffirms a law that lies at the very foundation of all of spiritual life: if you put into practice his Word, he will introduce you ever more deeply into the riches and incomparable joys of his kingdom. If, however, you disregard this Word, Jesus will take it away and entrust it to others who will make it bear fruit.

"To anyone who has, more will be given and he will grow rich: from anyone who has not, even what he has will be taken away."

Thus this Word of Life warns us against making a grave mistake — that of accepting the Gospel, perhaps making it the object of study, admiration and discussion, but without putting it into practice.

Instead Jesus expects us to accept the Word and incorporate it into our lives in a practical way, making it the energy that imbues all our activities, so that through our witness, the Word may be the light, salt and yeast that gradually transforms society.

During this month then, let us focus on one of the many Words of Life from the Gospel and put it into practice. We will enrich our joy with even more joy.

- Chiara Lubich

Each month a Scripture passage is offered as a guide and inspiration for daily living. This commentary, translated into 96 different languages and dialects, reaches several million people worldwide through print, radio, television and the Internet. Ever since the Focolare's beginnings, founder Chiara Lubich (1920–2008) wrote her commentaries each month. This one was originally published in July 1996.

This monthly leaflet is a supplement to Living City, the Focolare magazine (livingcitymagazine.com). People's life experiences as they put the monthly sentence into practice can be read in Living City or in books published by New City Press (newcitypress.com).

For information and to subscribe to this leaflet or to the magazine, write to: Living City, 202 Comforter Blvd, Hyde Park, New York 12538; tel: 845-229-0496; e-mail: Esta dirección electrónica esta protegida contra spambots. Es necesario activar Javascript para visualizarla . Visit focolare.org (international); focolare.us (U.S.).

© 2012 by Living City of the Focolare Movement, Inc.

Read more:

- Chiara Lubich, God's Word to Us: Short Reflections on Living the Word, New City Press, 2012.

- Chiara Lubich, "A Gospel Cure," Early Letters, New City Press, 2012, p. 119–121.

- Leahy, Brendan, "Movements and Evangelization," Ecclesial Movements and Communities, New City Press, 2011, pp109–118.

Next month:

August 2012

"Everyone who acknowledges me before others I will acknowledge before my heavenly Father. But whoever denies me before others, I will deny before my heavenly Father." (Mt. 10:32–33)