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“Grace” Sherry Lohman - March 14, 2010 Luke 15:1-3, 11-32 Occasionally, I find there are some stories in scripture that don’t seem to require a whole lot of pondering. Today’s reading is an example of such. If you grew up in the church, it was one of those stories, repeated often enough that you could tell it yourself. It’s a parable that reminds us of an unexpected outcome. It may cause us to wonder how we might react, in any number of ways—as the father, the son, the brother, or the community, at large. It may in fact, make us a little uncomfortable---it just doesn’t seem fair, in some ways, does it? One of my professors at school told us about a well known preacher, Frank Craddock, who was asked to give the Sunday school lesson on this same parable one Sunday. The preacher decided he would tell the story backwards to see what the reaction would be. And so he began, describing the prodigal son returning home and as he approaches his Father’s house, he hears sounds of music and celebration. The son asks the steward, “what’s going on?” The steward replies, “well, your older brother who stayed home and labored faithfully is being rewarded for his loyalty.” Just at that moment a woman in the class interrupted by saying, “Rev. Craddock, you have the story backward, but that’s the way Jesus ought to have told it.” Is it fair? Just? Perhaps you know someone who has foolishly squandered their money or inheritance. Perhaps it is your brother, the black sheep of the family; or your younger sister, the squeaky wheel. Or maybe its your own son or daughter….or yourself, who has foolishly or recklessly lost everything, including relationships with family and friends. This is different than losing your home to foreclosure, or suddenly learning you’ve been laid off and can’t pay the mortgage. When bad luck or things out of our control are the cause of our loss, that’s one thing. It may be more difficult for us to understand or even hold compassion for someone who, like the prodigal son, has foolishly depleted his resources. From the outside, folks may criticize, even condemn the life style that has put someone is such a position. They may not say it with their lips, but don’t count on them to help get you out of that mess./ Isn’t there a saying, “you made your bed, now lie in it.” We think maybe he needs to learn a lesson. My Professors asked, “shouldn’t there be a wood shed out back, figured into this story?” Of course, today’s story is simply a parable. There was no such man with two sons, but still, Jesus uses this tool to teach. Parables provoke interpretation. You have to think awhile, to catch all of the implications. The parable begins with a question put to Jesus by those in authority. “Why does he eat and associate with sinners?” And Jesus replies, “Let me tell you a story.” As usual, Jesus has an agenda for his listeners. Today, it is for two separate parties; the tax collectors and sinners, who have gathered around him to hear what Jesus has to say, and another group; the Pharisees and scribes, who languish nearby, grumbling and finding fault with Jesus because he has welcomed the sinners; even eaten with them. Did you realize that when the younger son asked for his inheritance, the father divided his possessions and gave each of the young men their share. In Jesus’ day, it was customary for fathers to set aside an inheritance for their sons (not for their daughters—they hadn’t advanced to that stage, yet). The inheritance was given after the father had died; not before. So this request, by the younger son, was like a slap in the face to his father; as if to say, “you might just as well be dead.” The fact that the older brother didn’t put his foot down, and refuse to claim his share was simply another sign of insensitivity, or, for lack of a better word: greed. The inheritance probably includes land that the younger son would sell off for hard cash; land that had been in the family for years.// People give up their lives for land. Owning land has everything to do with stability, but this young man wanted the other kind of green stuff.// This totally depletes their father’s goods. It would be like starting over again, beginning to make a life for him and his family…only now, he is elderly. Any retired folks, here? How does that sound to you? You ready to start all over again? Consider this, too. When the community hears about this—and word travels fast—the community will no doubt gasp with disbelief. They may feel some embarrassment for the old man, that life has shaken out like it has for him. If they didn’t tell him, outright, they were certainly shaking their heads, thinking he had lost his good sense. These greedy boys were not the kind of young men they wanted their own sons hanging around with. They were bad examples./ It wouldn’t be long before the community would set them apart; the father and his elder son would find themselves somewhat isolated, with few to help during harvest, unlikely prospects for a good wife, and little or no help in sickness or death. What the younger son and his brother had consequences for the whole community. But it’s too late crying over spilled milk. The father would watch his youngest son walk away, never knowing when or if he might ever lay eyes on him again. That must have caused a stir of emotions within him, but what could he do? It’s not easy letting go of our children, and it’s especially difficult if we see them taking a path toward uncertainty or trouble./ We know what happens in this story. The boy leaves the community, (meaning he is no longer a Jew), associates with pig farmers (a forbidden profession), and dishonors his parents, (a violation of the commandment). How long has he been gone? Long enough that he’s broke. Probably not long enough for the village folks. They may just as soon see him remain out of the picture. It’s his stomach that motivates his return. He’s hungry. Initially, he isn’t returning out of remorse. Remember how his father runs to greet him./ Did you know that older men in the Middle East do not run except in an emergency? It’s considered inappropriate, hiking up one’s robes, exposing legs. It lacks dignity and causes dishonor. There’s a reason this old man runs. The prospect of the village people meeting his son before him motivates him. Their homecoming would not be so welcoming; hostile. They could teach that boy a thing or two. And so the old man ran, surrendering his dignity—what else did he have? And his kiss and embrace indicated that his son was now under his protection. The boy hardly musters his confession before the father is calling for his best robe, ring and shoes…This is grace, adorned ---not the physical aspect, but in the abundance of giving; acceptance, forgiveness, love, unmerited, and given freely, by God. This son didn’t do anything to deserve it. His part/our part comes in the receiving. That’s a pretty good deal. We mess up, and God’s mercy and grace covers us…adorns us. We come out looking like roses. So now, as quick as that, this son is back in the fold of the family…..at least, through the eyes of the father. This foolish father must devise a way to pull the family back into the good graces of the community. He’s not so foolish, after all. He has already devised a plan. A huge party would symbolically announce his acceptance of his son and help convince the community to do the same. Apparently, it worked, with the exception of one important guest; the elder son….you know, the one who, even though he didn’t refuse his inheritance, he at least stuck around to help. There was some loyalty—or maybe obligation, there. But not now. He can’t understand how his father can be so unfair….that’s what it is…unfair. And so he refuses to join in the celebration, in spite of his father’s pleading. His absence is an indirect but piercing message to his father, his brother and the community. It isn’t fair, is it? We’ve all experienced it./ You’ve worked your tail off, but it’s Joe who gets the promotion. It’s not fair. You made all the arrangements for your parent’s 50th anniversary, but it’s your brother who took the credit. Or that purchase agreement you signed for the brand new dishwasher didn’t cover installation, like the salesman said, so it wasn’t the bargain you thought it was. Life is not fair. So what are we to do? You know, I don’t think that’s the question, here. Remember there are two opposing groups present; the grumbling religious authorities, on the one hand, and the tax collectors and sinners, on the other. It’s the first group that’s needling Jesus about why he mingles with the sinners. That was their question. “Why, Jesus, are you eating with sinners?” By the end of this parable, they had their answer. God’s grace was so great, that it could adorn even the most lowly of folks; one who had left his faith, his family, his friends; one who became entirely self-centered; one whose stomach took priority over his heart…God’s grace goes before us, waiting for our return. God’s grace runs wildly toward us, protecting us as we return to the shelter of God, and before we finish blurting out our apologies, God calls forth a royal robe, shoes for walking on holy ground and a ring to mark God’s claim….and as we head toward home, God has already devised a plan for our reconciliation; a plan of celebration, rejoicing and thanksgiving. The prodigal son, this recklessly wasteful soul is once again reunited with his Father. We are scribes, the Pharisees, the tax collectors and sinners. We are the son, the brother, the community. God’s grace is more than abundant for all of us….receive it, and then share it with your brother or sister….you know, the one who refused to s how up for the celebration. That’s what happens once we understand the gift we’ve been given; a gift, not withheld because of who we are, but given graciously, abundantly, because of who God is. So that when we return to God’s call for us, we accept and receive God’s grace. And what do we do with that grace? Prance around like we’re God’s gift to the world—yea, that happens too, sometimes—(and it’s not fair nor, do I believe it is God’s intentions. We are called, graced, empowered, and here it comes….the big one….we are sent! Sent, in order to help fulfill God’s purpose for all of us. Sent, that we might share the grace of God that we have received. Sent, for our brother or sister, It may be their turn, now, to be touched by the grace of God. Will you pray with me? |