Pastor Marc’s Remarks

July 31, 2025

Riddles, Puzzles, and Parables

What’s black and white and read all over?

I fondly remember that riddle from my childhood. The answer, of course, is “a newspaper.” The trick, of course, is that while you hear the word read, your mind pictures the color red—a clever little play on words.

However, nowadays, the riddle seems somewhat outdated. Most newspapers print in full color, something that really took off after USA Today launched in 1982 with its bright charts and splashy layouts. And let’s face it: many readers today consume their news on screens, not paper. Gone are the days of ink-stained fingers and rustling pages.

Speaking of childhood riddles, do you remember this classic stumper? “What color was George Washington’s white horse?” If you paused too long trying to puzzle it out, someone would inevitably laugh and say, “It’s white—it’s in the question!”

But here’s the twist: George Washington’s favorite horse during the Revolutionary War was actually a grayish-blue stallion named Blueskin. In his older years, the horse’s coat lightened—so in the famous portraits, he does look white. I suppose he aged the way I have—once full of youthful color, now… gracefully fading. (And by gracefully, I mean what’s left of my hair is doing its own thing.)

So, what is it about riddles and puzzles that keeps us hooked? In today’s tech-driven world, we scroll past social media distractions only to get caught up in online quizzes, brain teasers, and trivia. We like a good mental challenge. It’s timeless. In ancient days, oral storytelling often included wordplay and riddles—entertainment that made you think.

The Bible is filled with these mental and spiritual challenges, too. Jesus was a master storyteller. His parables are riddles in their own right. They were not always clear-cut, but meant to stir our thinking, deepen our faith, and invite interpretation.

This Sunday’s Gospel features the Parable of the Rich Fool, a story that invites us to reflect on what really matters in life. Join us for worship on Sunday, August 3, at 9:30 AM (please see the attached worship bulletin). Come hungry for meaning. Leave nourished by the Word—and the body of Christ through Holy Communion.

Blessings,

Pastor Marc

Rev. Marc Herbst

Pastor

St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

36 East John Street

Lindenhurst, NY 11757