Over the Top

Saturday March 14

Readings: Mi 7:14-15, 18-20; Lk 15:1-3, 11-32

In the reading from Micah, we hear of a God who “does not persist in anger,” “has compassion for us” and “will cast into the depths of the sea all of our sins.”

Then Jesus tells perhaps his most famous story about the “Prodigal Son” (which is actually a misnomer as we will see). And remember, he tells it in response to the Pharisees and others commenting that Jesus “welcomes and eats with sinners.” So he tells them a story about a family where the youngest son asks for his inheritance up front, goes off and blows the money on loose living, realizes that his luck has run out and decides to come home.  His father welcomes him back – no questions asked – and throws a party.  Meanwhile the “faithful” older brother gets all angry because he’s never broken the rules and is resentful because such a big deal is being made over his irresponsible sibling.

To start, let’s just define “prodigal”.  The dictionary describes it as having a Latin root from prodigus meaning lavish, over the top and extravagant.  In some ways, everyone in this story goes “over the top”.

The youngest son goes above and beyond in his recklessness, insensitivity, disrespectfulness and addictive behavior.  (And then comes home mostly because the party was over – not because of some profound spiritual conversion!)

The father goes over the top in his compassion, forgiveness and welcome for his son.

The oldest son is extravagant in his righteousness, resentment and anger.

While it can be tempting to see this as a “back then” story, it is recommended to view it as a “right now” story where we see ourselves in each of these characters and not just one.

[Note: remember how we were talking about who’s missing from the scriptures?  Well it’s near impossible for me to believe that there was not a mother somehow involved in all this.  A few years back, I came across this painting of the mother of the two sons and was very moved by this.  There’s NEVER any mention of the mom and her story, her grief, her journey.  The artist (I think named Gwen Maharg) offered this reflection: the bible story doesn’t talk of a prodigal son. It begins, “A man had two sons.” So much interpretation is pushed on this simple 400 word story. We seldom let the story stand alone. In my interpretation the mother is standing outside the door to the eating area. The table is empty. Her heart, too. Tired from juggling the egos of her three men….She also represents the Holy Spirit, Wisdom, the breath of God. While the men make a mess of things, she stands by. Watching. Waiting. Praying.]

So if we explore each character in our life we might ask:

Where in our lives have we been insensitive, selfish, disrespectful or reckless?  Are there addictions or other behaviors that cloud our judgement and lead us astray?  Have we taken responsibility for things and accepted the consequences of our behavior?

In what ways do we need to be more forgiving of people – regardless of their intentions – offering second chances, inclusion and welcome?  How do we work through our own woundedness so that we can remain open to the humanity of others?

What resentments do we carry?  From whom do we withhold love?  Are there people whose successes bother us? Have we hardened our hearts to certain people or groups?  Why?

How might we be like the unmentioned mother in the story – caught in very difficult narratives, trying to love everyone in spite of decisions being made around us?

For today, maybe we can just sit with each character in prayer.  Let the God who has compassion for you and welcomes you back speak to you and guide you.