Communication problems - October 27

Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 119:49-72; PM Psalm 49, [53]; Ezra 6:1-22; Rev. 5:1-10; Matt. 13:10-17

One of my favorite “Fawlty Towers” episodes was called “Communication Problems”. The BBC sitcom was set in a hotel on the English Riviera. A guest named Mrs. Richards came to stay, and while she had hearing aids to supplement her diminished hearing, she refused to keep them turned on, for fear that she would run the batteries down. This quirk caused great grist for the comedic mill of John Cleese and his hotel staff.

The memory of Mrs. Richards and her refusal to keep her “ears turned on” came up for me this morning as I reflected on the Bible readings for today. We humans continue to have communication problems, interpersonally and in our dealings with God. We long to hear, and yet we do not listen. We long to see, and yet we do not see clearly. We seek to understand, and yet we just cannot get the whole point ingrained within us, or we forget.

The prophets like Isaiah and Jeremiah were sent to relay prophecies to God’s people – sharing illustrative forecasts of what was to come, based on what was happening in the here-and-now. There were times that the people listened. Often, the prophets’ words were ignored. Oracles and prophecies used figurative comparisons, sometimes as clear proverbs, and other times as obscure riddles. Rabbis used these teaching strategies, too, as they told parables – talking about one thing in terms of another. This technique challenges the hearer/reader to pay attention and draw connections, though all in the audience do not reach the same conclusion every time.

In Matthew 13, we find a conversation between Jesus and the disciples. They ask their teacher directly, “Why do you speak to them in parables?” He answers them, “To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given.” He says that those who flock around him are missing the messages in every way possible. Jesus, paraphrasing from Isaiah 6:9-10, continues:

“With them indeed is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah that says:

“You will indeed listen, but never understand,
   and you will indeed look, but never perceive.
For this people’s heart has grown dull,
   and their ears are hard of hearing,
     and they have shut their eyes;
     so that they might not look with their eyes,
   and listen with their ears,
and understand with their heart and turn—
   and I would heal them.”

The ancient words from Isaiah remind me how our communication problems are endemic; they are generationally perpetuated.

Jesus shares reassurance with his friends about God’s role in their lives, reminding them that their eyes and ears are blessed – and they see and hear. Ironically, the disciples still have communication problems; they cannot fully understand and are quite obtuse in comprehending the messages Jesus imparts as he goes through ministry in Israel.

In spite of their ineptitude, Jesus remained faithful to his disciples. They stayed faithful to him, though they did not understand all that he did and said. The strength of these relationships can be a buoy when we find that we are not good listeners, or that we are not seeing the picture clearly. Remember: we are all afflicted with communication problems.

-- Katherine+

Questions for Reflection

What is a recent conflict or tension in your life that was caused by a communication problem? What brought greater understanding?

Looking from the outside in, what was a miscommunication you witnessed among others?

Daily Challenge 

Research effective communication skills - both in speaking and in listening. Take a few minutes to remind yourself or learn a new thing or two. Then, revisit the reading from Matthew 13:10-17. Prayerfully consider what Jesus is saying to you.