Encyclopedic Dictionary of Bible and Theology

Parable of the Rich Fool Parable of Our Lord in Luke12. The rich man’s harvest was so abundant that he planned to tear down his old barns and build them larger. He calculated on having goods laid up for many years. “And I will say to my soul: …take thy rest; eat, drink, make good … Continue reading “Parable of the Rich Fool”

Parable of the Prodigal Son Parable in Luke 15. The story of the son who took his portion of his father’s goods and squandered it by riotous living. When reduced to the depth of misery and obliged to eat the husks thrown to the swine, he bethought himself of his father and resolved to return … Continue reading “Parable of the Prodigal Son”

Parable of the Pounds Delivered by Our Lord on His last journey to Jerusalem, on the occasion of His meeting with Zacheus, the publican (Luke 19). In it He showed that the business of His kingdom consisted in leading all men to the perception and fulfilment of the will of God, thus bringing them not … Continue reading “Parable of the Pounds”

Parable of the Pharisee and the Publican Characters selected by Christ from the two widely different classes of His time and made the principals of a parable. This similitude is peculiar to Saint Luke’s Gospel (Luke 18:10-14). The theme of the discourse is that of the two men going up to the temple to pray, … Continue reading “Parable of the Pharisee and the Publican”

Parable of the Pearls before the Swine Matthew 7. (doctrine of the sacraments as a warning to the pastors) The second half of a poem: Give not that which is holy to the dogs, Neither cast your pearls before swine; Lest perhaps they trample them under their feet, And turning upon you they tear you. … Continue reading “Parable of the Pearls before the Swine”

Parable of the Pearl of Great Price Matthew 13. (Mass of virgin-martyr; used to illustrate the importance of the second petition of Our Father) Parable given to the Apostles only. A rich pearl merchant comes to one of the pearl fisheries (Persian gulf, or Red Sea?) to obtain pearls. He finds a man who has … Continue reading “Parable of the Pearl of Great Price”

Parable of the Lost Coin A parable told to the Pharisees and Scribes who were murmuring against Our Lord for stooping to receive and enlighten publicans and sinners (Luke 15); also read for the Gospel, the third Sunday after Pentecost. The coin lost was very small as coins go (15 to 25 cents), but it … Continue reading “Parable of the Lost Coin”

Parable of the Light of the World (John 3) Gospel for Monday of Octave of Pentecost. In the nightly visit of Nicodemus Christ explained the mystery of redemption. Means to it is faith in Jesus as the Christ. The unbeliever is already judged (verse 18) because he remains in darkness by his own free will … Continue reading “Parable of the Light of the World”

Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard One of the parables of Christ (Matthew 20), in which the householder hiring men at different hours of the day even up to the eleventh, or last, gives each of them the same wage, “a penny” meaning a piece of money, as if the one hour laborer was … Continue reading “Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard”

Parable of the King’s Sons Free from Tribute Matthew 17. Not used liturgically, but is very important. It implies Christ’s claim to Divine Sonship (admitted by all commentators except such extremists as hold that the Christ of the Synoptists holds out no such claim). The time is after the Transfiguration; the place Capharnaum, probably the … Continue reading “Parable of the King’s Sons Free from Tribute”