Parable

 

The Spiritual Waiting Room

Parable

Simple     Story

Aiding     Teaching     Fulfilling

Those Who Seek Him

Truth

(photo and poem by Kathy McNamara)

Scripture: Matthew 13: 34 and 35

Jesus spoke to the crowds about many things in parables. He spoke to them mainly in parables to fulfill the words of the prophet,

"I will speak in parables, I will proclaim all those truths that have been hidden from the beginning of the world."

Reflection

We often wonder why Jesus would use so many parables in speaking to the people of His day. It might seem to us that Jesus could have been clearer and more direct if He would just get to the point!

The parables were a great way for Jesus to give the people a message that they could both understand and remember. Jesus would use simple, everyday examples of things and situations that the people could relate to very easily.

Jesus spoke about seed, lamps, salt, weeds, lost coins, sons who wasted their inheritance, robbers and those who were beaten, lost sheep, and new wineskins. These were examples that the people encountered all the time. They could easily grasp the point that Jesus was trying to make.

Many of these examples are universal and can be easily followed today. We all know the importance of seed for our food and have to battle weeds all the time. In giving us these teachings, Jesus is leaving us with truths that can help us in our daily encounters.

The hidden truths that the prophet mentions become a little clearer for us. Jesus knows that we need concrete examples to uncover these truths. He is a Master Teacher.

The parables of Jesus both guide us and inspire us. Jesus is helping us to understand that the Kingdom He calls us to is being created each day in our simple yet profound encounters with each person we meet.

The parables call us to reflect more deeply on the gifts that Jesus wants to share with us. As we ponder these hidden truths, Jesus leads us to embrace all with His Love!

1. Why do you feel that Jesus used so many parables in His teaching?

2. Which parable speaks to your heart the most?

3. How have parables helped you uncover some hidden truths?

4. What does Kathy's photo say to you?

(Scripture adaptation, reflection, and questions by John J. McNamara)