Reflections for 5/3/10

"In Luke 15, the story of the prodigal son. Jesus makes his most complete presentation of the character of this father, whom he called God. the father is in every way the total opposite of the male patriarch and even rejects his older son's appeal to a world of worthiness and merit. He not only allows the younger son to make choices against him, but even empowers him to do so by giving him money! After the son's bad mistakes, the father still refuses his own right to restore order or impose a penance, even though the prodigal son offers to serve as a hired servant. Both his leaving and his returning are treated as necessary but painful acts of adult freedom. In every way he can, the father makes mutuality and vulnerability possible." (R. Rohr "Radical Grace" p. 175)

If you were to take a poll of best known Bible citations, certainly in the top 5 would be Luke 15, known by many as the parable of the Prodigal Son, though it really is much more about the merciful father, and if you really want to go deep has a lot to say about the older brother.

Matter of fact I reminded someone of that as they were railing against a sibling in the same manner, and asked why they wanted to act like the older son? Of course it also happened that he is the oldest boy, but not the oldest child.

That freedom that is part of growing up, does have its price. For every family rebel out there, there are just as many of us, who stood by doing the right thing. Yet never being happy in that role.

It is true even when apply the parable to our spiritual life. As someone who's always been there, I have to guard against bitterness towards those who walk away and then come back, or who suddenly discover later in life what they're missing. I'd be much better served celebrating with them in their return or beginning of the journey, but it isn't easy, especially when they seem to get more attention than me.

The message in that parable is really about how large the loving arms of God really are. There is room for the always there's like me and the prodigals of this world. Neither loved more or less than the other. Each given more freedom than we really comprehend.

Blessings,
Ed