Scripture
We return to looking at the Parables in the church season of
Pentecost with the story of the Prodigal Son. This parable is found only in the
Gospel of Luke. Some scholars have suggested that it could be titled the “Prodigal
Father” because of the great love with which he welcomes his dissolute son
home.
11 Then Jesus said, ‘There was a man who had two sons. 12The
younger of them said to his father, “Father, give me the share of the property that
will belong to me.” So he divided his property between them. 13A few
days later the younger son gathered all he had and travelled to a distant country,
and there he squandered his property in dissolute living. 14When he had
spent everything, a severe famine took place throughout that country, and he began
to be in need. 15So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens
of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed the pigs. 16He would
gladly have filled himself with the pods that the pigs were eating; and no one gave
him anything. 17But when he came to himself he said, “How many of my
father’s hired hands have bread enough and to spare, but here I am dying of hunger!
18I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, ‘Father,
I have sinned against heaven and before you; 19I am no longer worthy
to be called your son; treat me like one of your hired hands.’ ” 20So
he set off and went to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw
him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed
him. 21Then the son said to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven
and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.” 22But the
father said to his slaves, “Quickly, bring out a robe—the best one—and put it on
him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23And get the
fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; 24for this son
of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!” And they began to
celebrate.
25 ‘Now his elder son was in the field; and when he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing. 26He called one of the slaves and asked what was going on. 27He replied, “Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has got him back safe and sound.” 28Then he became angry and refused to go in. His father came out and began to plead with him. 29But he answered his father, “Listen! For all these years I have been working like a slave for you, and I have never disobeyed your command; yet you have never given me even a young goat so that I might celebrate with my friends. 30But when this son of yours came back, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fatted calf for him!” 31Then the father said to him, “Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. 32But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has been found.” ’ (Luke 15:11-32)
Conversation starters
The story of the Prodigal Son is an interesting one to
consider on the weekend of All Saints and All Souls remembrances. All Saints
Day (Nov. 1) recalls the ‘big name’ saints of the church calendar. All Souls
Day (Nov. 2) is a less well-known feast day to remember all the saints and
loved ones in our lives.
The father in the parable rushes to greet his returning son
with grace and forgiveness and love. God rushes to greet us, and all the other
saints around us, in just the same way. In fact, he is so joyful he says, “Quickly,
bring out a robe—the best one—and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals
on his feet. And get the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate;
for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!”
We are told there is joy in heaven over one sinner who
repents (Luke 15:7). Too often, though, we can be like the older brother who is
angry over the party given to his brother. He doesn’t recognize the father had
to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has come to
life; he was lost and has been found.
In these last couple days before the General Election, there
is much division and finger-pointing, and outright hate between those who
disagree over the best candidate. Perhaps it would behoove us to be more
prodigal in our love. Perhaps if we celebrate the sainted-ness of each
individual we meet, no matter what their political position is, we will find a
common humanity no matter the outcome.
I would also suggest this post from the Center of Contemplation and Action highlighting a sermon by Richard Rohr from 2017 as applicable as how to live now and post election.
Action Item
This weekend would be a good time to remember that we each
are a saint of God, as the song says “for the saints of God are just folks like
me…”
Think of the saints in your life and, if possible, thank
them for their presence in your life.
