"Meaning was hidden from them" : Why?*

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season:  Twenty Fifth Week : Saturday*

*Gospel : Lk 9:43b-45*

*First Reading : Zec 2:5-9, 14-15a*

*Responsorial Psalm : Jer 31:10, 11-12ab, 13*

*Meaning was hidden from them : Why?*

*1) Why was the meaning hidden from them?*

*A) God's Sovereign Timing*

Jesus’ mission had a divine timetable. 

The disciples were not yet meant to fully grasp the suffering and death He would undergo.

If they had understood fully, they might have tried to stop it (as Peter did in Matthew 16:22).

God may have hidden the truth to protect the plan of redemption.

*B) They Expected a Conquering Messiah*

The disciples believed the Messiah would establish an earthly kingdom, overthrow Rome, and bring glory to Israel.

The idea of the Messiah suffering and dying didn’t fit their expectations. 

This cognitive dissonance made them unable to understand even when told directly.

Their cultural and religious assumptions blinded them to the deeper truth.

*C) They Were Spiritually Unprepared*

Even though they followed Jesus, their hearts and minds weren’t fully open yet to spiritual truths.

The Holy Spirit, who would later illuminate these truths (see John 14:26), had not yet been given.

They needed to go through the events of the cross and resurrection to truly understand.

*D) Fear and Emotional Avoidance*

The text says they were "afraid to ask Him" — fear can block understanding.

Sometimes, we subconsciously resist truths we find painful or threatening.

The idea of losing Jesus was too much for them to face emotionally.

*2) OTHER REFLECTIONS*

*A) Understanding is a Gift, Not Just an Effort*

This passage reminds us that spiritual truth is not just intellectually learned — it is revealed.

We need both a willing heart and God’s illumination to truly see.

*B) Our Expectations Can Blind Us*

Like the disciples, we may miss what God is doing because it doesn’t match what we hoped or expected.

Sometimes God’s ways offend our assumptions, and we have to unlearn in order to understand.

*C) There Are Times When We're Not Ready*

God may intentionally withhold full understanding until we’re spiritually mature enough to handle it.

The disciples understood later — after the resurrection (Luke 24:45: “Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.”).

*D) Be Willing to Ask Hard Questions*

They were afraid to ask. Are we?

Real spiritual growth often begins when we dare to say: “Lord, I don’t understand — help me.”

*E) The Path to Glory Often Involves Suffering*

Jesus spoke of betrayal and death while His followers were amazed by miracles. 

This contrast reveals that God’s plan includes both glory and the cross.

Understanding the Christian life means recognizing that suffering may be part of God's purpose, even when we don't see why.

*3) Final Thought*

When we read, “its meaning was hidden from them,” we are reminded that God works in layers, and truth is often revealed over time — when we are ready, willing, and open to receive it.

If we find ourselves in a season of confusion or hiddenness, it may not be because God is absent — but because He is preparing us for something deeper.

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*