Fourth Sunday of Lent: Today’s reading is Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32. Click the blue link to read the passage online.
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The gospel reading from the lectionary for today is the Parable of the Lost (or Prodigal) Son. A well known story that is often taught in children’s Sunday school classes.
This is a powerful parable because it speaks to the many aspects of the human experience: greed, selfishness, the search for independence, selflessness, anger, mourning and love.
This parable also speaks to the many layers of our lives – at times we are like the prodigal son while at other times we are more like the son who stayed home. Can you think of times in your life recently when you have acted like a prodigal son or daughter? Can you think of other times when you were more like the son who stayed home?
The good news is that we belong to the Father who loves us and waits patiently for us no matter what our shortcomings are.
As we continue our Lenten journey and take one step closer to the cross today think about the richness and fullness of God’s grace. Think about the areas of your life that need God’s grace – think about how your life doesn’t always offer the free love of the prodigal son’s father. Offer your heart to God and be ready to be surprised by how God’s presence in your lives can heal, transform and renew you.
Filed under: Luke in Lent
Reflections on the parable of the Prodigal Son: there is no offense too large to forgive; God’s love overcomes all human folly; the father’s actions of forgiveness and love to his younger son set the example for the older son; the older son resented not being rewarded for steadfastness and family honor. Was the older son too resentful to attend the celebration?
Even though I’d heard this parable and teachings on this parable all my life, I didn’t begin grasp the breadth and depth of it that you mentioned, Katy, until Henri Nouwen’s book on this topic literally fell into my arms in a used book shop in Ann Arbor about 10 years ago. Wow! Wish I’d come across Nouwen’s insights earlier in life. I know I would have parented much differently. Just can’t recommend Nouwen’s book enough, and am so grateful that Ron C. has taught it here.