INTRODUCTION
The Parable of the Leaven taps into the theme of change and transformation using the metaphor of food: specifically, from flour to bread. In spiritual care groups, this story gives participants the opportunity to reflect on things added (i.e., relationships, experiences, struggles) that lead to change, especially those that are funky or smelly just like leaven or yeast. In this parable we are invited to sit with this paradox: How might the funky leaven that life kneads into us become a source of nourishment? How do we journey our way through the funk of life, and find a way to dance and sing (blues music)?
The Parable of the Leaven taps into the theme of change and transformation using the metaphor of food: specifically, from flour to bread. In spiritual care groups, this story gives participants the opportunity to reflect on things added (i.e., relationships, experiences, struggles) that lead to change, especially those that are funky or smelly just like leaven or yeast. In this parable we are invited to sit with this paradox: How might the funky leaven that life kneads into us become a source of nourishment? How do we journey our way through the funk of life, and find a way to dance and sing (blues music)?
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The Parable of the Leaven
(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 amazing things and did such wonderful 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 anyone had ever visited. It was not like any kingdom anyone had ever 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 this, he said “The kingdom of heaven is like when a woman takes three measures of flour, which is a lot, and mixes them together. She then hides the leaven in the mixture, which swells up and is leavened all over.” |
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WONDERING QUESTIONS
- I wonder what the leaven could really be?
- I wonder if you could take the bread that was leavened all over and put it back like it was before the woman hid the leaven in it?
- I wonder if you have ever come close to a place where this happens? I mean really, not just in the parable or making bread?
Guide for Facilitators of Spiritual Care Support Groups
Practice the Godly Play storytelling:
CHANGE US WITH YOUR LEAVEN (by Chaplain Donnel) (Lyrics/Chords)
CHORUS:
Change us with your leaven
Hold us in the fire of your love
(2X)
VERSE 1: Release us from our worries
Give us the patience to wait
Nourish us in our growth
As we grow we share our new life
VERSE 2: Bless and ease our pain
Give us the healing we need
Infuse us with hope and joy
As we grow we share our new life
VERSE 3: Accompany us in our grief
Teach us to weather the storm
Give us strength in our journey
As we grow we share our new life
CHORUS:
Change us with your leaven
Hold us in the fire of your love
(2X)
VERSE 1: Release us from our worries
Give us the patience to wait
Nourish us in our growth
As we grow we share our new life
VERSE 2: Bless and ease our pain
Give us the healing we need
Infuse us with hope and joy
As we grow we share our new life
VERSE 3: Accompany us in our grief
Teach us to weather the storm
Give us strength in our journey
As we grow we share our new life
