The Sword of the LORD

The Oxford Dictionary defines a parable as “ a simple story used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson.”  Jesus made extensive use of parables in explaining the principles of the Kingdom of Heaven in down-to-earth terms to those who were unfamiliar with them.  He used analogies of familiar activities that the farmers, shepherds, vinedressers and fishermen that heard Him could easily understand and relate to.  Late in Jesus’ ministry, before He was betrayed, He told His disciples that the time was coming when He would no longer speak to them in parables, but would plainly reveal the Father and His ways to them (see John 16:25).  He was referring to the time after His resurrection when the Holy Spirit would be poured out upon His disciples on the day of Pentecost.  Of that day Jesus said, “…when He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth .” (John 16:13).   Chapter 13 of St. Matthew holds a wealth of parables.  The first ...