The one key idea of chapter eight is our call to be dreamers. We are called to understand Jesus' dream of the Kindom of God so that we can share in that dream, which leads to eternal life. We start to understand the dream of Jesus by reading parables, Jesus' miracles, and about the Paschal Mystery. Once we understand this we can start our dreams as Jesus did. We may not start at dreaming about the Kingdom of God. We can start at dreaming about loving others or doing something nice to someone. I myself am dreaming to be nicer to my parents. The thing is, dreaming, in this meaning is not like a nighttime dream. It is more like a way to strive to do something. Jesus strived for the Kingdom and then worked toward it, as should all of us Christians. "We are guided by faith, hope, and the presence of others who share the dream" (Journey Through the New Testament, pg 155).
2. Write about two major ideas you want to remember.
One major idea I want to remember is Paschal Mystery Spirituality. Many times I feel like Jesus should not have died, as if there was no poin to it, but then I realized there is. Jesus suffered and died so that He and we could be renewed. This helps me to understand things in my life easier. I realize that suffering leads to greater gifts and hope. For example, when I suffered through helping my parents with chores, I realized my gift of kindness and their gift of love shone through. Any kind of crisis or change could happen in my life, and I need to remember the Paschal Mystery, that hope can come from suffering.
Another major idea I want to remember is the Parable of Community, that is the city of Taize, France. This is a place where thousands of pilgrims join a great religious community led by Brother Roger. It is a community of reconciliation and prayer. They stay close to the poor and suffering and accept no gifts. I imagine that this community makes a lot of sacrafices and suffer quite a bit, but they are probably closer to Jesus than I have ever been. Also, through their suffering, they creat great art, music, and books. I could learn a lot about this community. They do a ton all day, everyday for Jesus, so I know I can give up a little bit of time for Him. ALso, they show Paschal Mystery Spirituality.
3. One image that captures the chapter for you.
4. One significant question you have from this chapter.
Were there many other miracles and parables not written down? If so, then why were they not?
5. What is your favorite parable or miracle story? Cite the passage (book, chapter and verse) and explain why you chose this.
My favorite miracle story is the Feeding of the Five Thousand(Matthew 14:13-21). On a basic level, I think it is very cool. Jesus seems very smooth, just stating that their will be enough food, and as the crowd passes the little food around, there is enough. He did not multiply the food; the crowd just passed the food around that they had. On a deeper level, this miracle shows how Jesus can help many people and can overcome the toughest things. Sure, people have been healed one at a time by Jesus, but in this miracle, Jesus feeds 5000 people with only a few loaves of bread and a few fish. Numbers do not make the difference, when Jesus is powering over evil. It is a big and important miracle, and it is my favorite.
