Your Life Parable
Did you happen to notice? It has been quite the week for parables. It started with last Sunday’s Gospel and continued through the daily Gospel readings for most of this week. The fact that I even noticed this theme is kind of amazing in and of itself. I believe the Holy Spirit was tapping my shoulder to pay special attention to the messages of these parables. This week specifically, they have contained lessons about the Kingdom of Heaven. What is the Kingdom of Heaven like? What should we do to attain this kingdom? Why should we do all in our power to help secure its treasure? Who is welcome in this kingdom? How can we help spread the Kingdom of God on earth today?
As told by Jesus in the Gospels, parables are simple stories used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson. They offer comparisons and illustrations, suggestions and challenges. Many times, the meaning or lesson is abundantly clear, other times, not so much.
Fittingly, this week’s Kingdom of Heaven parable gospels lead us to the awesome event of Jesus’ Transfiguration. As related in Matthew 17:2, “…his face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light”. We hear that God spoke and called Jesus his Beloved Son, with whom He was well pleased. Next, God did not ask us but rather commanded us to listen to Jesus (verse 5).
Transfiguration is a complete change of form or appearance into a more beautiful or spiritual state. This definition brings me to a spiritual reality check. What is the status of my personal transfiguration these days? Am I working on improving myself so well on the inside that it shows on the outside?
Am I called to an understanding of the kingdom of heaven that will lead me to my own transfiguration moments? Should the life I live bring me closer to that kingdom as I light up my own life and the lives of others with God’s peace and grace? I believe the correct response is a resounding AMEN!
What is the parable of your life? If your life story was made into a movie, what would the lesson be? Is it evident to others? Would they easily identify the parable(s) by which you live?
This coming week I am challenging myself (and please join me!) to get reacquainted with the Gospel parables. Let’s look through the books of Matthew, Mark, and Luke (the Synoptic Gospels) to find a favorite parable or two. (FYI - I learned that the Gospel according to John contains only parable-like images.) Let’s make parable research our weekly (or longer) focus. For extra motivation, feel free to borrow an old Ally McBeal meme: choose a song or hymn as your Parable Theme Song. The lyrics could remind you of your chosen parable and perhaps reflect a virtue you would like to adopt or strengthen.
Praying for many transfiguring moments in the coming week as your lives become even more beautiful parables for the world.
Helpful resource: Parables in the New Testament (catholic-resources.org)
