Fourth Sunday in Lent
Finding Ourselves in the Story
Perhaps the parable of the prodigal son is the most familiar of Jesus’ stories. It is certainly rich in images and open to many interpretations. And yet every reading, every hearing, can bring new insight, or remind us of something we already knew but had forgotten.
Who am I in this story? Perhaps I am the younger son, eager to respond to all the enticements of life beyond my home, ready to sample everything “the good life” has to offer.
Perhaps I am the dutiful older son, staying on the expected path, holding to the traditions, keeping things going, even when my younger sibling acts irresponsibly.
Perhaps I am the father, willing to let my child make their own mistakes, find their own way forward, grieving to see them leave, yet ready to welcome them back.
Perhaps I am those already in the distant country, participating with others in dissolute living and longing myself for a home to return to.
Perhaps I am the person who hires the desperate worker yet does not provide enough for their needs.
Who do I want to be in this story? Do I want to run away from my responsibilities? Do I want to be praised for keeping things going? Do I want to be generous, grieving, and patient? Do I want to be financially successful, even if it involves another’s lack of success?
Where is God in this story? God the Father lets us go our own way and waits to welcome us home. God the Son tells us the story and suffers himself for our wrongdoing. God the Spirit brings us back to ourselves and draws us home.
O may your love be ever dwelling within my heart alone enthroned,
all other love but yours expelling, that love which for my sins atoned;
now Jesus, only, be my treasure, my joy, my crown while life shall last;
none else on earth shall yield me pleasure,
none else in heaven when earth is past.
(Paul Gerhardt [1607–1676], alt., Moravian Book of Worship, hymn 340)
Nola Reed Knouse, pastor of congregational care and visitation,
Calvary Moravian Church, Winston-Salem, North Carolina