Pay attention to what you hear”

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season:  Third Week :  Thursday*

*Gospel :  Mark 4:21-25*

*First Reading : 2 Samuel 7:18-29*

*Responsorial Psalm : 132:1-14*

*“Pay attention to what you hear”*

*1) General Understanding*

The entire Mark Chapter 4 is all about hearing the word of God.

Just before this passage: Jesus tells the Parable of the Sower (Mark 4:1–20)

That parable explains different kinds of listeners and how they respond to the word

So when Jesus says: “Pay attention to what you hear” (v.24)

He is clearly referring to how people hear God’s teaching, not just ordinary sounds.

*2) Meaning of “Pay attention to what you hear”*

In this context, it means:

Be intentional about how you receive God’s word

Don’t hear casually, passively, or carelessly

Recognize that hearing is a spiritual act, not a neutral one

Jesus is warning that hearing without response is dangerous.

You can hear the truth and still miss it — or even lose it.

*3) Connection to the lamp (vv. 21–23)*

Jesus says a lamp is not meant to be hidden but to give light.

This means: 

God’s truth is meant to be revealed and lived out

What you hear is not just for knowledge, but for transformation

If someone hears but does not act, the light is effectively being hidden.

*4)  “The measure you use will be the measure you receive” (v.24)*

This is key. It means:

The effort, openness, and seriousness you bring to hearing God’s word determines what you gain from it

If you listen superficially, you gain little

If you listen deeply and obediently, you receive more understanding

In other words: Spiritual growth depends on how you listen.

*5) The warning in verse 25*

“Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them.”

This sounds harsh, but it’s about responsiveness.

Those who accept and live by what they hear grow spiritually

Those who ignore or resist what they hear gradually lose insight, sensitivity, and faith

Truth is never static: It either grows in you Or it fades

*6) How to understand this practically*

Jesus is teaching that:

Hearing God’s word is a responsibility

Understanding is not automatic

Obedience deepens insight

So “pay attention” means:

Listen with humility

Reflect seriously

Act faithfully

*7) Reflections on this Teaching*

*A) Not all hearing is equal*:  Two people can hear the same message and leave changed in completely different ways.

*B) Spiritual blindness is not sudden* — it happens slowly when truth is ignored.

*C) More is Given* : God gives more light to those who walk in the light they already have.

*D) The Effect* : Every encounter with God’s word moves you in one direction or the other — closer or further away.

Take God’s word seriously, receive it deeply, live it faithfully — because your response determines whether light increases or fades in your life.

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*