Parables

Matthew 13 is a unique Bible chapter. It is filled with Jesus’ favorite means of sharing the Good News. And that means is through parables. Jesus uses parables to teach and share His Father’s message. So, what is a parable? Two dictionary definitions are: a short allegorical story designed to illustrate or teach some truth, religious principle, or moral lesson. It also can mean a statement or comment that conveys a meaning indirectly by the use of comparison, analogy, or the like. In the Greek, the word parable means “to cast alongside.” Parables provide a story that can be read and /or interpreted in different ways. It’s easy to miss many things hidden in plain sight in a parable! They are similes or metaphors, literally, earthly stories with heavenly meanings. To unbelievers a parable is but a simple story. But to the believer there is more, so much more. The very seeds of the gospel of God itself are present in the parables. We have a mixture of parables in today’s Gospel reading. How many do you remember? We have: the Good Seed, the Mustard Seed, and Yeast. But there are others not proclaimed in today’s reading of the Gospel: Treasure, Pearl and Dragnet. Perhaps as your own prayer time this week, you might look up these other parables to discover what hidden meanings you might uncover. Remember: believers hear not only the simple story but there is much more to it. A modern parable that I’ve used at times as a homily is The Giving Tree. There is also the children’s book The Fall of Freddie the Leaf. Both tell a simple story of life in an animated way. But the depth of either story is evident as you read and reflect on the stories. In the simplicity of your own life’s story, can you find a parable as well?