Scripture Reading: Luke 15:11-32

Lent Reflection

So far, we discussed the parable of the prodigal son from the views of the two sons. We continue to look at the parable of the prodigal son from the perspective of the father. This will be done in two parts: wisdom of giving permission and unconditional grace.

Today we begin looking at the wisdom of giving permission. This is the part we struggle more with. The first thing to look at is the father's willingness to let the second son do what he likes. When the second son comes and demands his portion of inheritance to live an independent life, the father gives him all that was asked. Without an advice, chastisement, correction, or admonishment, the father lets him go.

At this point we wonder why this father did not stand in the way of his son to make sure that the son was going to succeed in life. Surely, the father knew that this son was heading into a wrong direction in life. Also when the older son objects and almost scolds his father for welcoming the brother who abandoned the family, the father does not chastise or admonish the older son. In both cases, this father allows his sons to misbehave.

In our world where we try to be good parents, we think that the duties of a father include doing things that will set the children to succeed in life. Instead, in this parable, the father allows his sons to be who they insisted on being. In other words, the father allows their sons to fail. In the younger son’s case, we are given a hint that he came to realize that he failed miserably and was ready to learn from his mistakes. In the older son’s case, we are not so sure if he would learn from his own mistakes.

Whatever the case may be for the sons, the father’s way of allowing the sons to live their own lives as they choose, learning on the way, is something that we learn about this father. Instead of controlling the sons’ lives, he lets his sons live their own lives with consequences based on their choices. However uncomfortable this father’s parenting style is, Jesus allows us to see what will happen in the case of the return of the one who fails in life as well as the one who complains against the way father loves his prodigal son.

Two weeks ago, we learned about the great love of the father from the perspective of the prodigal son. Last week we discussed how close we are to this elder son as we grumble and complain about those who are less faithful than we are. Today’s challenge is: can we be like this father? Can we allow everyone around us to do their things, yet, love them without judging, meddling, directing and allowing them to fail?

Prayer

God who loves without ceasing,
Give us understanding. Open our eyes to see as you see. Open our mouths to speak as you speak. Open our hearts to love as you love.

In this week, help us to ponder your way of loving by letting us be even in our failures. May we rejoice in returning to you as well as in your gentle response when we complain about those around us. 

In your Son’s name we pray. Amen.

Please remember that on Saturday, we begin at 1 pm with exercise, followed by devotion, workshop and cleaning.

This week, once again we are asking volunteer groups that are cleaning as well as decorating and designing to come.

Remember that Sunday, March 24 is our Communion Sunday.

On Good Friday, March 29, we invite you to our Good Friday Worship at 10:30 am.