Journal 8: Called to Be Dreamers/Parables and Miracles
AMDG

A. The main focus of chapter eight is Jesus’ miracles and parables. Jesus was a master storyteller and we are called to find the deeper meaning in his stories and parables. Jesus’ miracles are “deeds of power” in that they show his power over evil. The chapter not only focuses on Jesus’ miracles and stories, but also on the Paschal Mystery and his suffering, death, and resurrection. We as Christians are called to live a life rooted in the dying and rising of Jesus.

B. Two things I would like to remember from the chapter are the community of Taize and the section on Paschal Mystery Spirituality.
I believe the community of Taize is a great model for the world. The diversity and brotherhood expressed in this community is very admirable. If the rest of the Christian denominations could get along like the select few from the denominations do at Taize, we would be a united faith. They live with nothing, only the arts and crafts they make. It sounds like a very spiritually healthy environment and a fascinating place to live and worship. The rest of the world should learn lessons from Taize.
The section in the text on the Paschal Mystery Spirituality really made me think. Is my Christian faith rooted in the dying and rising of Jesus? The more I thought about it, it really isn’t. At the sign of any suffering, our society is prone to quit or give up. Jesus endured all that suffering for us, and we can’t suffer at all, and most people wouldn’t even think to suffer for their faith. Suffering can lead to growth and compassion for others. We become better people when we empathize with others for their suffering, but in order to do so we must endure our own sufferings willfully. This section really made me think that I should be more willing to endure suffering for Christ and for others.

C.
Miracles

D. Why have all the miracles and parables faded? It seems like all the visions and God coming to people in their dreams and amazing occurrences happened two thousand years ago. Are some of these just meant to convey religious truths?

E. My favorite parable is the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30; Luke 19:11-27). I chose this because I think it is very pertinent to our society. I think most of the people of today bury their talents, and I think God is calling us to go out and share them. I have liked this parable since eighth grade when we went over it in class, and for some reason I always liked the meaning behind it which is to use your talents wisely. I think a lot can be learned from putting this parable into work in your life.