Meditations On The Parables Of Jesus

Revising much of the content originally published in The Kingdom of God Is Like, and adding selected material from Awakenings and Reawakenings, Thomas Keating continues to stir the Christian imagination with insightful commentary on the parables of the Bible. Including the Mustard Seed, the Narrow Door, the Penitent Woman, the Sower, the Prodigal Son, and others, this collection of corresponding meditations renews the voice and vigor of each parable's deeper meaning--so often overlooked through familiarity and fame. Originally told to seekers in an ancient land, each parable--packed with clues about the meaning of life, the nature of God, and the purpose of creation--has as much relevance and resonance as ever for both teaching the lessons of God and his mercy and for understanding the daily struggles of today's fast-paced world.

Everyone loves a story. And Jesus' audience was no different from ours today. Using the parable (which the author defines as "an earthly story with a heavenly meaning") to teach his followers basic truths, lessons in right and wrong, so to speak, was a mark of Jesus' ministry. Some -- like the Good Samaritan and the Prodigal Son -- are quite familiar, while others-such as the beggar Lazarus at the rich man's gate-are less so. "The images Jesus in his parables", the author says, "are so simple that they can be understood by children, yet so profound that scholars are still pondering them twenty centuries later". John Jay Hughes has chosen fourteen stories for this book of meditations, whose themes cover trust in God; social justice; human rights; the raising of the lowly; forgiveness; understanding; and more. The author's fresh spin on these familiar stories, his rich insight and ability to share concrete applications that speak to our culture and time, as well as the inclusion of pointed "Questions for Reflection" at the end of each meditation-essay, make this a companionable book for contemporary spiritual reading.

Originally published: Nashville, Tenn.: Upper Room Books, c1991.

Peter Rhea Jones has spent the majority of his career studying and teaching the parables. Studying the Parables of Jesus is a primer on the historical and -literary approaches to biblical study. It informs and inspires in dialogue with contemporary methods and contemporary meanings. It provides an introduction to the methods of interpretation of the parables as well as an opening chapter on the recent history of interpretation. The chapters of exegesis approach a select group of parables for a more intensive analysis. While reserving much of the technical details for the endnotes, the text includes -discussion of critical issues and alternative opinions. Questions and exercises are appended at the close of each chapter for personal use or classroom -discussion.

The parables that Jesus Christ used to convey his lessons are rich in their implications. They serve as ongoing standards against which to set our thoughts, actions, and decisions. Together they ask us to acknowledge Jesus and His teachings as the only “door” (John 10: 1) to the fold, the ultimate judge of our beliefs, thoughts, and actions. Meditations on the Parables of Christ seeks to interpret the parables according to their theological significance while also applying them to individual lives and practices. Mercy and forgiveness constitute the constant themes of the parables. The parables emphasize the unfathomable mercy to our God, which reaches out to the penitent. They invite us to respond positively to God, embrace what He offers us, and be mindful of His will and of our eternal destinies in all our decisions, thoughts, actions, and words. This study examines the parables of Jesus Christ, exploring and interpreting their meaning and considering their application in our daily lives.

This Little Black Book is your companion for Lent. It’s an old-fashioned “vade mecum” (pronounced vahday maykum). That’s Latin for “travel with me” and was used to describe a book that was a constant companion – perhaps a condensed book of prayers for traveling priests, or a handbook for quick reference – something you could take with you anywhere.