The encounter of the Israelites with God on Mt. Sinai was a terrifying experience. It was dangerous, requiring all sorts of precautionary measures and purifications. The ancient peoples believed that an experience of the divine was fraught with danger, and they tried to keep their distance. This is certainly not the sort of God we pray to, or the sort of God who was incarnate in Jesus Christ. We need to put the frightening images out of our mind and know that we can approach God through Jesus as though to a friend.

Why didn't Jesus give all of his teachings in a plain and clear manner? Why did he use parables? Often we do not benefit from what is merely given to us. We need to wrestle with teachings, pondering over the meaning. Parables are designed to rest in our mind and work on our way of looking at things. If we are spiritually alive, we will benefit from the parable over time. Our life can be like a parable too - many things do not make immediate sense. It is only when we reflect and pray in light of our experience that things become clearer. Those with an open heart and mind are usually able to break open the inner meaning of the parables. Let us not be too quick to make judgments or decisions, but take the time to probe the deeper levels of meaning.