World-renowned theologian Gerald O'Collins here shares his first book of popular spirituality, a beautifully written examination of the parables for living them in one's own life. The parables, says O'Collins, are an invitation not only to see the world of Jesus through the eyes of the time; they are also an intimate window into Jesus' own imagination and sensitivity, and his unique vision of God and the Kingdom of Heaven. Through the Parables, Jesus shows us an incredibly generous heavenly father who is unconditionally loving, utterly free, and wonderfully powerful. In discovering this loving freedom, we are challenged to give up security and walk a radically different path. This book explores long parables like the Good Samaritan as well as brief ones like the hidden yeast; draws form a rich range of sources, from classics in theology, psychology, and literature to Andy Warhol and advertisements, and shows how the parables explain such important questions as the nature of God, our relationship to Him, and our relationship with each other. Each chapter ends with prayers, exercises, or questions for reflection and discussion.