The Common Son - A
Soul Snack 174/11 ... The Common Son - A
I ask my father to share his kingdom with me. He does! I take it and leave him, wasting all his grace and simultaneously making carnage of my life.
My mess-ups I now want to make-up. I decide to return home. On my return I see my father still has more for me despite all his previous generosity. I do not meet resentment, anger, vitriol or judgement from him.
He opens his storehouses so he can still gift me with so much more. He throws an almighty party. I receive celebration and not condemnation, defence and not disrespect, in fact I receive welcome and not war.
Do you recognise this condensed story? This is arguably the most famous parable Jesus ever told ~ The Prodigal Son (see Luke 15:11-32). Yes it is now also two millenia old. It has been repeated, preached upon, tortured, taught and studied for all that time without ceasing. BUT it is not contained to a dusty ancient middle-eastern family; it is about me (and maybe you) too.
Surely it is in the recognition of my own foolishness that the path to my own feasting is found.
“The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.“ But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate. (Lk:15:21-24)
Today's Soul Snippet:
Love not law was nailed to the cross.