Imagine being there

The text from Mark in the Roman Catholic Lectionary today is the parable of the sower. The reaction of “What does He mean?” sometimes accompanies a reflection on the Parables. It is intended to be an account which is familiar and profound at the same time. The meaning of the parables and in fact the meaning of Jesus life is best explored through the imagination which can take us to the events as a participant. Some Jesuit teachers encourage approaching the parables through prayer, patience and the imagination. Certainly the richness of insight and understanding available from the parables needs to be nourished and cultivated in rich soil.