Luke 15:11b-32 (NRSV)
Read Luke 15:11b-32 on biblegateway.com
Verse 11Then Jesus said, "There was a man who had two sons. Verse 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. Verse 13A few days later the younger son gathered all he had and traveled to a distant country, and there he squandered his property in dissolute living. Verse 14When he had spent everything, a severe famine took place throughout that country, and he began to be in need. Verse 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. Verse 16He would gladly have filled himself with the pods that the pigs were eating; and no one gave him anything. Verse 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! Verse 18I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; Verse 19I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me like one of your hired hands."' Verse 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. Verse 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.' Verse 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. Verse 23And get the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; Verse 24for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!' And they began to celebrate. Verse 25"Now his elder son was in the field; and when he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing. Verse 26He called one of the slaves and asked what was going on. Verse 27He replied, 'Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has got him back safe and sound.' Verse 28Then he became angry and refused to go in. His father came out and began to plead with him. Verse 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. Verse 30But when this son of yours came back, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fatted calf for him!' Verse 31Then the father said to him, 'Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. Verse 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.'"
Devotion
This story has been playing out for thousands of years: two sons (or two daughters), two points of view, two different paths through life. What does it take to go beyond jealousy and resentment? Are we able to celebrate when our families have the chance to be whole again? Why is it so hard to be compassionate?
The younger son does not know the satisfaction of hard work. His understanding of living the dream is narrow. His "dissolute living" has resulted in many mornings after. He has little else. The dutiful elder son has worked and learned alongside his father. He will inherit the wealth of the family: jewelry, fine robes, animals and land. Still, sadly, the elder is not whole. He is resentful and angry. "All these years...I have never...you have never...who has devoured..." He has neither asked his father for, nor been given the means to party with his buddies. The elder son is stuck. He can’t see past his anger. He feels wronged, life is unfair.
Prayer
Generous God, love us when we are dissolute and angry. Help us to see beyond the superficial. Teach us to be compassionate, share what is ours, and celebrate when we can begin again. Amen.