Parables of Joshua

The Parable of the Wealthy Artist ON ONE OCCASION, as Joshua was talking to a crowd that had gathered around him, a woman spoke up and bluntly asked him what he thought of the Church. Calm and unruffled, Joshua replied, "The kingdom of God is like a man who had great wealth and power. He controlled vast territories and whole populations throughout the world. His wealth was beyond measure and, indeed, seemed without limit. He was, however, not concerned with power, or even with his wealth. His joy was in creating living masterpieces of art and sculpture. But in spite of his great possessions, he was alone, and had no one with whom to share his joy. Disguising himself as an ordinary person, he sought out those with whom he could share his life. Dressed in plain clothes and living in a simple manner, he began his search. He approached those who appeared intelligent and wise in the things of the world. "Certainly these men and women will be friends with whom I can share my life," he said to himself, and he approached them. "What does he want of us?" they asked themselves. They were suspicious and looked down on him as a person of no value or use to themselves, so they shunned him. Others he met were highly intelligent persons of science and possessed knowledge of many things. However, he soon found that they were enchanted with their own intelligence and saw no reason to allow this simple man into their lives. He would be a nuisance and could contribute nothing to their circle of learned colleagues. They too shunned him. Others were persons of great importance and had many friends in high places. He approached them, thinking they would, without doubt, appreciate his friendship, but they were ashamed even to be seen with him. They too shunned him. "Discouraged by the shallow vision of all these intelligent people, the rich man decided to look among ordinary people. They were kind and friendly toward him and welcomed him into their friendship. Taking him into their homes, they shared with him their meager possessions and their simple food, and allowed him into their lives, without any question or concern about his status. However, even among these good people, some soon tired of him, and found excuses to avoid him. But to those who opened their hearts and allowed him to share in their friendship, he revealed his true identity and shared with them his life and the awesome world in which he lived. When the others saw what had happened, they were beside themselves with grief that with all their smug intelligence they had failed to perceive the greatness hidden beneath the stranger's simple manner. What they had searched for all their lives was nothing compared with the riches and the glory and power the rich man shared so freely with all those simple people. And that is the way it will be with those who, when the Savior comes knocking, see in him nothing of value, and so turn him away, and continue to walk in darkness." The Parable of the Pilgrims' Guide ON ANOTHER DAY as Joshua was standing on the shore of a great lake, he remarked to the small crowd that was with him, "The kingdom of heaven is like adventurers who wanted to cross a great sea. On the shore was a guide charged by his captain with the responsibility of directing pilgrims to their destination. He knew well the destination and the safest way to arrive there. After giving pilgrims careful instructions he warned them that the voyage was long and dangerous, and without proper guidance, they could become lost along the way. But they should not be afraid because the gentle breeze along the course would take them safely through dangerous waters and carry them to their destination. One man said to himself, 'I am strong and wise. I know the waters better than he. I can find my own way. Why should I trust a breeze to guide me? And, besides, I do not like the guide. I will follow my own directions.' So he, aGirzone, Joseph F. is the author of 'Parables of Joshua' with ISBN 9780385495110 and ISBN 0385495110.