Today’s scripture: Luke 15:11-32 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (John Seksay):
The Prodigal Son is a story that has been widely celebrated in song and study for its take on the nature of repentance. Yet, when I read the story again today, I believe that I have missed a very key point. There are three characters in the story, and very few of us reflect on the “faithful” son. Here was a man who claimed to be fully observant of all his duties as a family member and seemingly a pillar of his local faith community. Yet, when the father chooses to celebrate the arrival of a repentant sibling, the faithful son does not share his father’s joy. It was as if God forgave and his supposedly devout follower did not!
This calls to mind the many stories I have heard of those in recovery who must look to their families of choice for support because their families of origin have written them off. How can it be that sin must have its price, but repentance doesn’t include its redemption? It would seem that there are two sins to be addressed in the prodigal’s story: the sin of the fallen and the sin of overbearing pride in the form of self-righteousness in those who judge themselves superior to the sinner. The capacity for true forgiveness relies upon our understanding that we are as fully capable of falling into similar errors as the person(s) we feel entitled to judge. I believe that Jesus was pointing this out in His preaching “Judge not, lest you be judged…”. Repentance can only heal rifts in a family when met with the forgiveness that flows from unconditional love.
The battles for recovery and for the preservation of true righteousness are fought the same way with the same tools: the God of our understanding and the loving support of those willing to share our path. True repentance and meaningful forgiveness both require us to struggle with our natural tendencies. Both paths require a good dose of humility! Are we up to the challenge of giving — and receiving — such support? We can meet both challenges better with the right kind of support in our lives!
Thought for the day: Lord, help me to remove the log from my own eye so I may humbly be a support to others!
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