Jesus in Figure of Speech

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Easter Season : Sixth Week:  Saturday*

*Gospel :  John 16:23-28*

*First Reading : Acts 18:23-26*

*Responsorial Psalm : 47: 2-10*

*Jesus in Figure of Speech*

*1) Why Did Jesus Speak in Figures of Speech?*

*A) To Express Spiritual Mysteries* 

Jesus was speaking about realities that go beyond ordinary human understanding:

His relationship with the Father,

His death and resurrection,

prayer in His name,

divine love,

eternal life.

Such truths cannot always be communicated through simple literal language. Figurative speech helps open the mind and heart to deeper realities.

*B) Because the Disciples Were Not Yet Ready* 

The disciples still struggled to understand: Jesus’ coming death, the meaning of suffering, His divine identity.

They expected earthly victory and political liberation. Jesus gradually prepared them for spiritual truth.

Earlier Jesus says: “You cannot bear them now.”

Figurative language became a gentle and gradual way of teaching difficult truths.

*C) To Invite Reflection and Faith* 

Figures of speech are not meant to confuse but to deepen reflection.

Jesus wanted listeners to: think beyond appearances, seek spiritual meaning, move from curiosity to faith.

Symbolic language requires openness of heart, not only intellectual analysis.

*2) Various Issues Involved in These Figures of Speech?*

*A) The Issue of Misunderstanding*

The disciples often misunderstood Jesus literally.

When Jesus spoke about: leaving the world, returning to the Father, praying in His name, they became confused.

*Spiritual Meaning* : Human beings often interpret divine truth according to worldly expectations. The disciples wanted certainty and clarity, while Jesus was leading them toward mystery and faith.

*B) The Issue of Spiritual Blindness* 

Many heard Jesus physically but failed to understand spiritually.

The problem was not merely intellectual; it involved: lack of spiritual readiness,

fear, attachment to earthly thinking.

Sometimes people hear God’s word but resist its deeper implications because it challenges comfort, pride, or self-interest.

*C) The Mystery of Suffering* 

Jesus spoke indirectly about His departure because the Cross was difficult to accept.

The idea of a suffering Messiah contradicted human expectations of power and success.

Important Issue : Can salvation come through suffering, sacrifice, and humility? 

Jesus answers “yes.”

This remains one of Christianity’s deepest paradoxes.

*D) The Tension Between Faith and Reason* 

Figurative language leaves room for mystery.

The disciples wanted plain explanations, but Jesus teaches that spiritual truth is not grasped only by logic.

*Reflection* : Faith involves trust before complete understanding.

Some truths become clear only through experience, prayer, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

*E) Gradual Revelation* 

Jesus reveals truth progressively. 

The disciples only fully understood after: the Resurrection, Pentecost, receiving the Holy Spirit.

Human understanding develops over time. Spiritual maturity is a journey.

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*