Chapter Eight
Called to Be Dreamers:Parables and Miracles

1. What is the one key idea of this chapter? Pay attention to the title of the chapter!

In other chapters we have been called into a relationship and to be like Jesus. This chapter is calling us to be dreamers because our dreams hold the ability to change our lives. God does not sit and wait for us at the end of our lives, he walks with us the whole way and helps us onour paths to our dreams. Through the parables, miracles and Paschal mystery of Jesus we are able learn more about the source of our dreams, our mind and heart. By connecting our thoughts and caring actions with Jesus' we are able to come closer to sharing the same dreams and hopes of God. When we share God's dreams we then realize that his dreams are a kingdom of God and earth, and in order to make that kingdom we have to love one another, love God and do something that will make a difference.


Write about two major ideas you want to remember. Write a short paragraph on each clearly stating the idea and then telling why you want to remember it.

The first major idea I want to take away from this chapter is that reading parables takes the same skills as reading the scripture. In a parable there is both a literal meaning and a spiritual meaning. The literal meaning basically is what you see in the story, the characters and the plot. The spiritual meaning is much more important because it is what you take to be the meaning of the parable. I believe it is important for me to understand this because I will be able to read the parables and get the full meaning out of them.

The second major idea I want to take from this chapter is that of all the miracles and healings that Jesus performed, his own resurrection was the biggest. I guess before I did this chapter I did not really acknowledge it as Jesus' greatest miracle. Now that I have read it though, I realize its importance in healing and how it is a miracle. In the past Jesus had cured the sick and saved those who were possessed. Now though, he was not just healing one person, he was healing everybody so that they could be saved in the future. The Resurrection truly was a miracle according to all the accounts told through scripture becuase Jesus came back from death in three days and ascended to heaven.


One image that captures the chapter for you.


One significant question you have from this chapter. It can be intellectual or personal.

How do other our dreams that are not connected with God's dream, such as a future career or future relationship, help build the king of God?

1