tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2722447614945782871.post7669188733834129026..comments2023-09-12T11:31:20.729-05:00Comments on Straight-Friendly: The Extravagant SonTimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01271248501086241494noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2722447614945782871.post-10418588216444388342013-03-10T18:41:53.466-05:002013-03-10T18:41:53.466-05:00Sherry, as I heard our pastor deliver a glorious r...Sherry, as I heard our pastor deliver a glorious reading of the parable that centered on our notions about "home," I found myself wishing I could be in every church that pondered this story today. I suspect every reading was unique in some way, because this parable is like a multifaceted gem that catches light in real time. It's a marvel.<br /><br />Our pastor also commented on the likenesses between the son and father, noting that "prodigal" can also mean "having an abundance to give." (And she ended the Prayers of the People with thanks to "our Prodigal God.") But she also said something illuminating about the two brothers, that I'd never considered. She told us they also represent the duality that exists in us as individuals--the tension between wildness and faithfulness, the longing to break free and the desire to stay true. It is in the struggle between the two--honoring their virtues without allowing them to turn into vices--that we discover the abundance in both. Another facet of a story that will continue to delight and disturb its hearers until the end of time.<br /><br />Thanks for your comment! It's always a joy to hear your thoughts and enjoy the richness they add to these pages.<br /><br />Blessings and much love always,<br />TimTimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01271248501086241494noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2722447614945782871.post-48484073255547958712013-03-10T13:06:09.450-05:002013-03-10T13:06:09.450-05:00It never occurred to me that the father and son we...It never occurred to me that the father and son were cut from the same cloth, and part of the father's willingness to both give him the inheritance and welcome him home penniless, is that he was not only the favorite, but reminded the father of himself. YOu are so right,that no matter how many times we read them, the parables offer new insights. How sorry I feel once again for the elder son. Thanks so much Tim for another wonderful reflection, and the chance to see the scriptures anew through your wonderful exploration. Blessings, SherrySherry Peytonhttp://afeatheradrift.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2722447614945782871.post-67054363572150749822013-03-09T15:33:18.956-06:002013-03-09T15:33:18.956-06:00HI Vikki! It is far and away my favorite parable, ...HI Vikki! It is far and away my favorite parable, simply because the humanity it displays on every side speaks to me in so many ways. And the ending--oh my goodness! Just to know God will always welcome us back home!<br /><br />So great to hear from you, and I'm grateful that you enjoyed the post.<br /><br />Blessings always, dear friend,<br />Tim Timhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01271248501086241494noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2722447614945782871.post-44923592297269320992013-03-09T12:51:06.306-06:002013-03-09T12:51:06.306-06:00Hi Tim.
I have always loved this story! Thanks fo...Hi Tim.<br />I have always loved this story! Thanks for this deeper take on it.<br />:)kkrynohttp://knikked.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.com