INTRODUCTION
Putting aside any traditional Christian interpretation of the Parable of the Great Pearl, I invite participants in spiritual care groups that I facilitate to listen to the story with open curiosity: to wonder and to notice what resonates with them in the story. While there might be a few religious Christians who revisit this story with clear moral teaching or rigid theological claims, a great number of spiritual care group participants have never heard of this story before. Some of these first-time hearers are either non-Christians, nones (zero religous upbringing or exposure) which might include secular humanists, or at most, nominal Christians who say that the families of their childhood went to church once or twice a year if at all (i.e., during Christmas and/or Easter).
I am always blown away by honest questions and deep insights by these first-time hearers. What do we need to let go in order to receive what we need? What is the most priceless thing in our lives that we are willing to let go of our possessions to get it? Why are the most important things in life take a long time to find or difficult to get a hold of?
Like many of my patients, I hope that we also listen to this story for the first time.
Putting aside any traditional Christian interpretation of the Parable of the Great Pearl, I invite participants in spiritual care groups that I facilitate to listen to the story with open curiosity: to wonder and to notice what resonates with them in the story. While there might be a few religious Christians who revisit this story with clear moral teaching or rigid theological claims, a great number of spiritual care group participants have never heard of this story before. Some of these first-time hearers are either non-Christians, nones (zero religous upbringing or exposure) which might include secular humanists, or at most, nominal Christians who say that the families of their childhood went to church once or twice a year if at all (i.e., during Christmas and/or Easter).
I am always blown away by honest questions and deep insights by these first-time hearers. What do we need to let go in order to receive what we need? What is the most priceless thing in our lives that we are willing to let go of our possessions to get it? Why are the most important things in life take a long time to find or difficult to get a hold of?
Like many of my patients, I hope that we also listen to this story for the first time.
Guide for Facilitators of Spiritual Care Support Groups
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Practice the Godly Play storytelling:
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THE PEARL MERCHANT'S SONG (by Chaplain Donnel) (Lyrics/Chords)
I knew the first time I saw you You were too good to be true In my dreams you were there To be with me and share I found the greatest treasure An answer to my prayer You are my guide, my light To life's meaning clear and bright The greatest pearl in the ocean Waiting for me all this time Like a lifeline helping me cope Giving love, peace and hope You gave me healing and purpose Brightening the night of my fears Igniting in me a gentle spark Leading me out of the dark |
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