Parables contain within them the pattern of human nature and the pattern of God's response, containing, says Michael Ball, both beauty and risk. For example, the casting out of the precious son from the vineyard in St. Matthew is not a violent affair; rather we drive him out with our indifference, with carelessness, with protective routines and with ugliness. Out of such simple ideas, Michael Ball has constructed a spiritual theology of genuine originality.

A wise and holy man has written a profound and intensely human book.