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), 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 the honest questions and deep insights that these first-time hearers raise. 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), 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 the honest questions and deep insights that these first-time hearers raise. 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.
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The Parable of the Great Pearl
(from Godly Play® storytelling - see Godly Play® links to purchase storytelling materials, and to learn about the Godly Play® approach and how to receive training.) There was once someone who said such wonderful things and did such amazing things that people followed him. As they followed him, they heard him talking about a kingdom, but it was not like the kingdom they lived in. It was not like any kingdom they had ever visited. It was not like any kingdom that they had ever even heard of. They couldn’t help it. They had to ask him what the kingdom of heaven was like. One time when they asked him, he said, “The kingdom of heaven is like when a person who buys and sells fine pearls, a merchant, goes to search for the great pearl. When he finds the great pearl, he goes and exchanges everything for the great pearl.” |
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WONDERING QUESTIONS
- What could the great pearl really be?
- What could be so precious that a person would exchange everything for it?
- Have you ever come close to the great pearl?
Guide for Facilitators of Spiritual Care Support Groups
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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