The Prodigal Son BY Angllhugnu2

There have been a few lessons I've learned over the course of my fifty years. One such lesson stems from the use of the story of The Prodigal Son by Jesus.

From where do these stories come that Jesus uses? What motivates Jesus to tell that particular story? And, what event(s) occured in Jesus' own life to reinforce the universal truths offered by its telling? What, in the story, solved a problem for Jesus in a way he would want to repeat its telling over and over?

I am sure the story of a son returning home or being found by a father or a mother was not a new one for teachers of that or in any other culture. In fact, great stories were always used to reinforce God's relationship or morals in Jesus' time. Even today these kinds of stories have a life and a purpose played out, at least for the Jews, in the Torah.

Christians have picked up, in part that tradition as well. Jesus' own story of being lost and found in the Temple is one version for sure. I have come to understand that Jesus, perhaps having had a difficult day, goes off to spend some time in conversation with The Father. In one, or a couple of moments of prayer he comes to the use, or formulates The Story of The Prodigal Son.

Jesus goes off to be by himself. He perches himself at a location where the view is good enough for him to grasp a complete view of the city. He feels separated yet still in touch with the world he's been blessed to teach. It is a comfortable place, a quiet place, a peaceful place to still the turmoil of his troubled soul and the message of The Father is within and about Him.

In his many visits to this quiet place he stills himself by absorbing impressions of the world as it moves around him. He simply watches and listens to Life move. He see children play as he had. He sees market places busy with shoppers. He see travelers and money changers at the Temple. And, he notices a farmer standing quietly on his plot staring down a long road, waiting. Jesus knows the landowner's son had left with all the father had set aside for him.
So, on this one particular day the farmer stands there waiting as always for the son.

Now, there were stories coming back through this small town how the son had blown his wad of cash, was now broke and feeding pigs (of all things). The father, having heard such talk, is hopeful the son will find safety at home. While he is confident his son will make the right choices, the man is worried. In fact, his thoughts for his son's safety are enough for him to walk a short way down the long road or trail (a little more each day) away from the house to see if his son is in sight.

With the father's worry for the son fresh in his mind, Jesus ponders the events of his own day. He had a difficult time making a few lessons clear. Some people, those he wants to reach, are simply not hearing his message. While he understands, he still wants to know how to invite them to know what he knows. So, he considers how it is the people of Israel are much like the son; taking the riches given to them freely, only to end up using them unwisely; their hearts are hardened like rocks.

In fact, it troubles Jesus on this particular day. His lessons are simply not being heard. He shakes off his worry and moves to still his heart. He watches, and simply listens to, the life around him. He looks to see the kids playing games. Their laughter echoes through the small valley. Travelers move through the market like an odd dance. And, a mother calls to feed a family.

Now once again stilled, he turns to consider this problem, perhaps for the umpteenth time, he suddenly sees on this day (off in the distance), the son returning home. He sees the appreciative father meeting and holding his defeated son long and hard in love. The father slowly pulls him nearer to the house where the servants act in caring for him.

It seems the perfect time for Jesus to reflect upon his day. The time Jesus spends upon the perch is long enough for him to consider the significance of being welcomed. He compares the son's return and his own experiences of being lost. When he hears, later that night, the sounds of celebration at the farmer's home, the moment causes Jesus to pause for a time or two to learn something great.

He speaks respectfully to The Father in prayer once again. "Father? Why do you celebrate so much the return of your people when they act so foolishly? Even as they have told you, they have wasted what you gave to them. You again give them more of everything, freely and happily. And, then they go off and spend it mindlessly again . I am having a tough time, working hard, doing as you ask. I just want to learn from you why it is that you celebrate their return?"

And, of course, The Father's reply is so profound, it effectively changes Jesus' own Self-view and clarifies for him a unique spiritual intimacy he was destined to learn to appreciate more, and to share deeply, with The Father who loves him.

"Well, my son," The Father says to Jesus. "You have been with Me always - from the very beginning. BUT, like this one, they are lost and now they are found!"

After having shared in a lesson about the whole of Israel (including himself) through the experience of one farmer and his son , Jesus wanted those he was given to share his life with to understand that there was a further deepening connection to what is great and good, honest and true.. His message would be..."I AM real and present....always waiting to welcome you home. So, love your neighbor as you would love your Self....And, love your Self as The Father loves you....Always!"

Written and gifted to these pages by Angllhugnu2