Here are the books to read:
On the parables, I just love to see the symbolism as well. I think we have to remember that when Jesus was on earth, he was on a mission. He knew how it would end. I wonder how much he revealed in private to the disciples and how much was not written down? That will be my questions when I get there. Well among my questions.
I have a date with another FReeper to question St. Peter (one of my favorite Saints), when we get there.