April 1980 – Notes issued by Fr. William Heidt, O.S.B. (R.I.P.)

1. SIMILE – a form of expression by which one object, action, or relation is likened or compared (often with as, like) to a different object, action or relation; terms as used retain their proper dictionary meaning.
2. EXTENDED PARABLE – a narrative in which truths of one order serve to clarify a truth or another order; terms retain dictionary meanings.
3. MASHAL – a parable which uses an indirect imaginative way of bringing home a point
   • UNDERSTOOD – in the literal sense expressed non-figuratively
   • INTENTION OF THE AUTHOR
     1. to tell a story (TYPE) - makes a natural point.
     2. to use the story in order to illustrate a point (ANTI-TYPE) - makes a supernatural point.
   • RESULT – one formal object of comparison or TERTIUM COMPARATIONIS
4. METAPHOR – use of a term which by definition is restricted to one signification to express some other signification; the message of the term as used is not a dictionary definition.
5. EXTENDED ALLEGORY – a narrative in which objects, persons, and actions are not used according to their dictionary meanings, i.e., equated with the meanings that lie outside the narrative itself.
   – An allegory is an extended metaphor, especially a story in which fictional characters and actions are used to understand and express aspects of concepts relating to human existence.
   • UNDERSTOOD – in the literal sense expressed figuratively.
   • INTENTION OF THE AUTHOR – to tell no story, no type, no anti-type; ideas conveyed immediately through the terms employed
   • RESULT – as many objects as terms or expressions used.

1. The above applies to un-mixed parables and un-mixed allegories.
2. Some parables admit allegorical elements.
3. Some parables admit parabolic elements.
4. Since allegorical elements do not belong to the nature of the parable, they are to be admitted only with sufficient reason (the fatted calf in the Prodigal Son parable does not become Eucharist because both are often at a banquet).

1. Determine from text and context the meaning of the type.
2. Determine from text and context the PURPOSE of the type, i.e., anti-type.
3. Do not admit allegorical elements without goodly justification.
4. Formulate the comparison, e.g., JUST AS in the natural order (the story) . . . .
   SO ALSO in the supernatural order (spiritual message).

• Luke 15:11-32 –– JUST AS in the natural order the father receives back his repentant son with mercy and great joy, but upbraids the elder one who murmurs:
  • SO ALSO in the supernatural order God with mercy and great joy receives the tax-gathers and sinners;
            [Lk. 15:1] The tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to listen to him,
  • while murmuring Pharisees and Scribes deserve censure;
            [Lk. 15:2] but the Pharisees and scribes began to complain, saying,
            "This man welcomes sinners and eats with them."

• Luke 16:1-13 –– JUST AS in this world the unjust steward when about to be deprived from office acted cleverly and made for himself friends who would welcome him to their earthly mansions:
         SO ALSO in the kingdom of God one should act cleverly and by almsgiving make friends who will welcome him into the mansions of Heaven. — (The steward's unjust means do not enter into consideration since a parable calls for only one point of comparison).

Suffering in Hell               Relating to God               God is Love

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