LENT II

February 28, 2021

“Tell Me A Story”      

Whether a story is between the covers of a book, something recalled from earlier story times, or a “when I was about your age . . .” reminiscence, having someone tell you a story is an exceptionally satisfying experience.  If you’re one-on-one with the storyteller, it’s a very personal experience, much like receiving a special, just-for-you gift.  Generation after generation, family histories have been recalled, community experiences recounted, and faith lessons shared.  Without those storytellers of centuries ago, telling of God’s activity in the lives of his people, of his guidance and direction, of the promises told by the prophets, we’d be woefully ignorant of the foundations of our faith.     

Teaching and learning have taken place by the telling of stories for untold generations.  In the book of Deuteronomy, Moses instructs the people of Israel to abide by the Ten Commandments and his instructions relating to them: “Teach them (these words of mine) to your children, talking about them when you are at home and when you are away . . .”  (Deut. 11:19)     

History, poetry, music, ethics, philosophy, biography, discovery, humor . . . all have been taught and told over the generations.  Engaging one’s listeners is the most important part of getting the point across, and although it doesn’t have to be entertaining, the illustration does need to be identifiable.  Jesus was a master at leading people to an understanding of his message through parables, and their impact has not faded over time.       

Among the most familiar is the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10) — a man was attacked, robbed, and left badly injured along the roadside.  The “important” people ignored him, but a foreigner helped him, saving his life.   Also well known is the story of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15) — a young person so self-centered and unappreciative of his comfortable life that he demanded his inheritance in advance and squandered it until he was broke and desperate.  We may not imagine someone ending up in a pigpen, but what about being in a filthy alley or abandoned building in a city where no one knows or cares about him?  That he was welcomed with tears of joy, hugs,  love and celebration upon dragging himself home is nearly unbelievable.       

Jesus was able to teach some of the most important lessons of his ministry through parables.  How we treat one another, whether we’re strangers or family members, the message is that we show God’s love to all.  Jesus was the outsider who helped the sick and injured, caring for them whether they knew one another at all.  He was willing to take the risk because there was a need, and that was reason enough.  And when that sorry mess of a child, who had been nothing but trouble, came home, the love, the forgiveness and the rejoicing were all there in abundance.  As we and all people turn to our Father, humbly begging to be forgiven and accepted, we are assured that we are still his children, worthy of his love because of the life, death and resurrection of his own Son, Jesus the Christ. 

Blessed to hear the stories,

Your friend in Christ,

Mary Rogers