who hears the word and understands it

“But the seed sown on rich soil is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold.” (MT 13: 23)

Little Therese from Lisieux used to say that if she could, she would study Greek and Hebrew to read the Bible in its original languages to understand it better. She knew how important it is not only to “hear” the word but also to “understand” it. But “understand” doesn’t mean “study.” It means first of all—to understand the message given by God, who Is Love, that whatever He said is meant for me to understand as God wants me to understand it, to help me grow in love for Him and to go to Heaven.  And second—how our One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church understands it. In one word it means: keep “the word with a generous heart.” 

“Blessed are they who have kept the word with a generous heart and yield a harvest through perseverance.” (Gospel Acclamation)