It's actually a nice metaphor.  And, I agree with you, it is.  I like it, along with the many other things that are contained in the sayings attributed to Jesus.

Regarding the Catholic institutions abiding .;.. the thing is that  universities ought to actually be pushing the Church to move forward, not encouraging it remain mired in teachings based on discredited scientific understandings.  But that's only my opinion, and no institution is asking.  I only get to post ideas on these boards.  :-)