Jesus, according to the Gospel of Matthew, only ever spoke in parables. Or, as John’s Gospel rephrases it (casting a different light on the same idea), in metaphors.
Parables are puzzling stories, “riddles”; and metaphors are symbolic, figurative ways of thinking. The purpose of parables is to make us re-think what we thought we knew; and metaphors give us a deeper insight, a richer appreciation of the truth being offered.
Now truth is not merely information. Jesus does not give us data so that we can store it in our memory banks as some kind of infallible and obligatory answer that we possess or submit to and obey. No. For Jesus “the truth will set you free” (John 8:32) – that’s how you know if what you are undergoing is true or not: Does it set you free?
Does it open your mind? your heart? the way before you?
Does it enable you to choose the good — indeed, the better way?
Does it animate and invigorate you?
Does it give you the power to live your life more abundantly, more creatively, more lovingly?
If so, then it is true. And if not, you either haven’t finished the task of working out the meaning of the metaphor, the message, the parable, the riddle, the sign; or you are mistaken, and have not yet found the truth but a lie.
Lent is about being set free by the truth from the lie and for the good. Or rather: by the Truth Incarnate (our own true self, Christ); from the ego (our false view of ourselves and Christ); and for the one and only true and ultimate Good: GOD.
Metanoia. "Repent"/re-think, change your mind-and-heart, "and believe in the Gospel."
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