Have you ever noticed that Jesus very often does not answer a question directly? When Peter asks “Lord, is this parable meant for us or for everyone?” Jesus goes on a seeming digression about the “faithful and prudent steward.” “Who is my neighbor?” “A man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho…” “You do not have a bucket. Where do you expect to get flowing water?” “Whoever drinks this water will be thirsty again…” This is a strategy on Jesus’ part. His method teaches the listeners to think for themselves, to figure things out. Jesus does not propose an answer external the person but an answer that arises from deep within. We have been blessed with the understanding and the will to discern God’s will.
