A Smorgasbord of Parables

At the end of this coming Sunday’s Gospel lesson we hear of a moment when Jesus asked his disciples a question about the parables they had heard. The teacher wondered, “Have you understood all this?” in reply the followers answered, “Yes.” However, if they were hooked up to a polygraph machine I highly doubt that the disciples’ words would have come back as truthful. Perhaps they thought they comprehended all of Jesus’ words. Maybe they hoped they knew what Jesus was talking about, but even two thousand years later this onslaught of parables slips through our proverbial fingers. And, thank God that they do.

The greatness of parables comes in that they continually challenge the hearer to move from a stagnant position to comprehend a fuller meaning. Even throughout this week the way that I hear the six parables from this Gospel lesson will change. To glean more fully the kernels of wisdom within this set of analogous stories about the reign of God I must and we must listen dynamically. “Let those with ears listen” is Jesus’ repeated imperative for a reason. Yet, even when we may not fully understand these stories, like the disciples allegedly did, as we continue to listen and learn about them they will shape and transform us. At a quick pace, these are the details that stand out as I float through these six stories.

First, the parable of the mustard bush, as well as the parable of the leaven fall right after the parable of the weeds and the wheat and before its interpretation, which made up last week’s Gospel lesson.

Second, both of these parables (mustard bush and leaven) have such positive connotations now and yet, in their original context these were unwanted occurrences. Jesus, in Matthew, spoke these stories about pesky parts of life back-to-back-to-back to hit home that even what we believe might be problematic now God has control over in the end. For mustard bushes were considered weeds, but with God’s help the tiny nuisance grew to be a great home for birds. Leaven was spoiled bread that was used to start new loaves, but very tricky to get right—it could even lead to food poisoning and death. When one did get it right, like this woman (an analogous character for Jesus) what resulted was a feast enough for a wedding banquet or two.

Third, the next two parables (treasure in a field and the fine pearl) represent a shift in Jesus’ discourse from what things could hold back the reign of God to what discovering that reign is worth. Previously as we have heard these parables, they have pointed to how people or the evil one could keep the Jesus Movement from building momentum. These two statements about giving away everything to go in search of transformation through God represent a change in directions towards how valuable the reign of God truly is.

Fourth, the parable of the net feeds back into a theme from the parable of the weeds and the wheat. At the end of the age a time of discernment will transpire. In both parables angels make the decisions about who are weeds or bad fish and who are wheat or good fish. Human beings do not make this call, rather representatives of God determine the good and the bad. While many will claim they know the will of God, Jesus makes clear that our presumed role as judge stands out as fruitless!

Finally, a hidden sixth parable lies within the conversation between Jesus and his disciples. The parable of the scribe trained for the kingdom of heaven makes it clear that seeking the reign of God requires every means at our disposal. We cannot sit back only relying upon the ways of the past in our Tradition, nor would it be prudent to ignore the lessons we have learned in the past. Treasure both old and new will guide us into the richness of life in Christ.

As one prepares for this week’s Gospel lesson a modern parable might be helpful. This week’s Good News reminds me of fixing a meal with both leftovers and new ingredients available from my kitchen. Certainly Thanksgiving turkey makes a great meal on its own; however, who does not love making delicious turkey sandwiches the next day? This week’s Gospel lesson is a veritable smorgasbord with lessons connecting back to the parables we have heard recently and at the same time pointing to new wisdom regarding the value of seeking out God’s reign. May we all be full of God’s richness this week!