Why did Jesus speak in parables? This is the question that brings together the reflections in this volume, a collection of meditations preached by Cardinal Martini at a spiritual retreat.

With profound wisdom, Martini reflects on the many gospel parables - parables about the seed, judgement, call, the lost and found. He highlights and identifies first of all how Jesus has the need to communicate the mystery of the Father very much at heart. But the mystery of the God is so far beyond any notion of ours that it is precisely for this reason it can be expressed in so many ways. Hence, to reveal the confounding love of the Father, Jesus chooses to speak in parables, in this way respecting our freedom and also being attentive to our fragility. Jesus' parables also force the listener to take a stance regarding his message and person.

It is a book that introduces us to a wise reading of the Gospel and to hearing the questions hidden within the Scriptures, as well as tasting God's presence.

Carlo Maria Martini (15/2/27 - 31/8/2012), Jesuit and biblical scholar, was Archbishop of Milan from 1979 to 2002. Considered by Catholic and non-Catholics alike to be one of the most listened to and followed voices there, he resigned from his various responsibilities in 2002 and decided to retire to Jerusalem to resume his beloved biblical studies, but even from this ancient capital of Major Faiths, he ensured that his voice was strongly heard. He returned to Italy for health reasons but even during his illness, he never ceased disturbing consciences with clarity and intelligence. At his death, more than 150,000 people filed past as he lay in state in the Milan Cathedral.