Advent thoughts 2012 - number 5

Amazing what you learn. I hadn't realised until I heard the Bishop of Southampton say that the word 'parables' is connecting to the act of lassoing. Jesus "roped in" examples from everyday life to use to illustrate great truths. His listeners would have known about tares growing among the wheat, or the panic when you lose a precious sheep fro your small flock.

But do we connect in the same way? If we have to learn what a Levite is, or the relationship between Jew and Samaritan, to "get" the Good samaritan story, then maybe it's time to have some updated versions. The message is just as relevant, but what about a Moslem rescuing a Christian after he's been mugged, with an evangelical priest and a social worker having walked by on the other side of the road?