Crowds And Teachings

Et locutus est eis multa in parabolis. Multa quidem, sed non omnia. Si enim dixisset omnia in parabolis, absque emolumentio turbae recessissent. Turba autem non unius est scientiaae, sed diversa in singulis voluntas. Propterea eisdem loquitur multis in parabolis, ut juxta varias voluntates suas, diversas reciperent disciplinas. Hinc perspicua miscet obscuris, ut per ea quae planius intelliguntur provocentur ad eorum notitiam quae obscura sunt, ut avidius requirant, et intelligant clarius. Sanctus Paschasius Radbertus Corbeiensis, Expositio In Evangelium Matthaei, Liber VII Source: Migne PL 120.484c

'And he spoke to them many things in parables.' 1   Many things, certainly, but not everything. For if everything were in parables, on account of a lack of reward, the crowds would have dispersed. However the crowd is not a thing of uniform knowledge, but there is diversity among their inclinations. On account of which He spoke to them in many parables, that according to their various states they might receive the various teachings. Hence He mixes evident things with obscure things, that by those things which they clearly understand they be called to the awareness of those things which are obscure, that the more keenly seeking them, they may more clearly understand. Saint Paschasius Radbertus, from the Commentary On The Gospel of Saint Matthew, Book 7 1 Mt 13.3