A parable requires no external key to explain what its elements mean; an allegory does.

Given the late onset of menstruation, the early onset of menopause, frequent pregnancies, and the likely cessation of the menstrual cycle during lactation, it may well have been the case that men—who are impure after ejaculation—were more often impure than women.

Only Jesus insists on loving the enemy: “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” He may be the only person in antiquity to have given this instruction.

What does a parent do to show a love that the child never felt? The parable shows us that indulgence does not buy love, but withholding can stifle it. And so we search, desperately, because our family is not whole. Sheep and coins are easy; children less so. What

“Everything that needed to be said was said, but not everyone had said it.”

To be in his presence is not only to be challenged and comforted; it is to celebrate at table.

If we get the context wrong, we’ll get Jesus wrong as well.

the parable asks: Can we assess what is of ultimate value in our own lives, not simply in terms of relativizing, but in terms of ultimate concern? More,

the Gospel also recognizes two types of disciples, the itinerants who take to the road and the householders who provide them support.