My book (Hear the Word, 2020), was the result of a comment by Pope Benedict 16th in a 1989 talk to the German and French bishops to the effect that we make faith too complicated. In an effort to simplify, I wrote about Jesus seven parables Matthew 13. Those parables when seen as a group, explain the key insights Jesus offers about the Christian life. Namely, he used seven short parables to explain and illustrate the beginning (listening or not), middle (not changing the world but “bearing fruit”), and end of the life of faith (angels sorting each of us at a glance at death). However, he also used those same short parables to explain and illustrate the personal benefits of faith (finding personal worth, the pearl) and vocational meaning (treasure in the field). Finally, he added the benefits of life in the Christian community, namely, safety (the birds find safety in the mustard tree) and transformation (as leaven transforms three measures of flour.)
In summary, all of those efforts can be considered the work of step/transition 4, Jesus as the gate for the sheep (John 10:7-10).
Further, I added further reflections and insights using the parables to explain and illustrate discernment (Discernment through Parables and Stories, 2022), namely, God’s will for us, virtue, how parables enlighten us, prayer, money, and longing for the Lord’s banquet in heaven.
Jesus’ parables are one-third of his recorded teaching. They are not all Jesus has to teach us, but they are a great start.
