Wednesday, March 10: “Rejoice!”
Luke 15:32
New Revised Standard Version: But 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.’”
The Message (Version): “…but this is a wonderful time, and we had to celebrate. This brother of yours was dead, and he’s alive! He was lost, and he’s found!’”
All three parables in this week’s lectionary end with one important word, “Rejoice!” As we continue to spend this time in Lent wandering lost and feeling unworthy, let us remember how the story ends. It ends with rejoicing!
Those of us, however, who find ourselves relating more to the well behaved son may question such a quick turn of events. We may find ourselves wondering, why do we do get a party thrown for us? Let us remember that the father in the story still reminds the eldest son, that he gets so much more than a party, and that fact causes for even more rejoicing.
Question: Who do you relate to in the story of the “Prodigal Son?” Do you see yourself as the rebellious son, the father, or the son who behaved? Why?
When I read this passage I saw myself as the embodiment of all three. Life is about working toward wholeness ~ the behaving son and, sometimes, feeling entitled for the effort. But life is also about occasionally wandering down the wrong path, making choices that aren’t the best for us or for those around us whom we love ~ the rebellious son who temporarily loses himself and squanders his gifts. When we recognize our wandering ways as undermining our quest for wholeness (life), we often resort to self-loathing, feeling unworthy of even our own self-love. The father is the knowing voice of wisdom in all of us ~ some may call if the voice of God/Life ~ and when we listen to and obey that voice we have reason to rejoice because we come home again to life ~ feeling alive ~ and, thankfully, to love.
I like what Penni says. I think all great literature, film, story is great because it has a universal appeal to our various parts. We find ourselves in the story, and in each of the characters. Think about the neighbors who have to watch this extravagant party going on. Think about the fatted calf, who has to give everything so that we can party. Think about the scribes and pharisees who were no doubt also invited to the party!
I often see myself as the squandering son because I never seem to have any money. I see myself as the younger son because I often wonder why others get celebrated for doing the wrong thing. I don’t see myself as the father much though. The only similarity is that we both have 2 sons. I think I am most like the older/squandering son the most.