The Prodigal Brother
Jane Denniston
April 02, 2022
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Luke 15: 25-32 (NRSVA)
25 ‘Now his elder son was in the field; and when he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 He called one of the slaves and asked what was going on. 27 He replied, “Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has got him back safe and sound.” 28 Then he became angry and refused to go in. His father came out and began to plead with him. 29 But 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. 30 But when this son of yours came back, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fatted calf for him!” 31 Then the father said to him, “Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. 32 But 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.”’
I am prodigal.
Recklessly I give of my time,
my industry
my faithfulness.
No thought for play
or leisure
or self.
I work and strive and seek
to be a good and dutiful son.
My responsibilities are many,
they are heavy
yet I bear them willingly.
At least I did…
I am prodigal.
Restlessly I pour out
my resentment and my anger.
Still I work prodigiously;
still I squander my faithfulness and commitment
for no reward.
Is virtue really its own reward?
Is that enough?
I return from the fields
to a feast that is prodigal.
But not a reward for my faithfulness
or my industry.
And now my restlessness knows no bounds.
My anger cannot be contained.
PRAYER:
Loving heavenly Father,
help us to understand
that you love each of us
as if there was only one of us to love.
Help us to understand
that you love us
in our ingratitude
and in our thankfulness.
Help us to understand that you love us
in our rebellion
and in our obedience.
Help us to understand that nothing we do
can make you love us less
and nothing we do
can make you love us more, Amen
Lent Disciplines
A Symbolic Action to do sometime this week that suits you. As a time of prayer hold your hands out in front of you. Look at your left hand and take a moment to hold the things that you are grateful for. Look at your right hand and take a moment to hold the things that concern you. Then bring your hands together, fingers interlaced, to bring it all before God.
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