We continue reading in Matthew this week, beginning at chapter 13, which is one of the five discourses. This chapter includes eight parables of Jesus, six of which begin with these words: "The kingdom of heaven is like ..."

A parable is a simple story used to illustrate an important lesson or truth. They can be powerfully effective especially when the listener finds or discovers him/herself in the story.

Remember the story that Nathan told King David in Second Samuel 12? It is difficult not to cringe when Nathan says: "David, you are the man." Parables are like that, we are in the story, but not always where we think we are, or where we want to be. They don't always flatter us either. That's why they are so important.

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Augustine wrote: "The Holy Scriptures are our letters from home." As you continue the discipline of daily reading and listening to God, be reminded that the Word of God is for you and you are a part of the story that unfolds in the Bible.