Luke 15:25-32
Now his elder son was in the field, and as he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing. He called one of the slaves and asked what was going on. He replied, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf because he has got him back safe and sound.’ Then he became angry and refused to go in. His father came out and began to plead with him. 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. But when this son of yours came back, who has devoured your assets with prostitutes, you killed the fatted calf for him!’ Then the father said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. 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.’ ” Luke 15:25-32 (NRSVUE)
We got two grades on every paper in my religion classes. One was for grammar, the other for insights and mastery of concepts. Seldom was there a grade above a C on grammar. (This was before grammar and spell checks.) My writing skills were well below average. However, A's appeared in the other category. The elusive model student label was not for me and yet learning was exciting.
I could come up with lots of excuses. I came from a blue-collar family. I didn’t like details. I didn’t appreciate good writing. I thought it was full of useless flowery language that was trying to make some kind of impression or convey a mood. I wanted facts and truth. I gravitated towards reference books like encyclopedias. I was also jealous of those who could describe an experience with few words and get high marks. I learned from professors that good concepts and ideas won’t add to others if you can’t communicate them well. Notice my sentences started with “I.” This is why I am sometimes like the older brother who’s concerned more about himself rather than his father and brother. Too much “I” may lead to estrangement and loneliness.
When we open our eyes and see the humanity in higher learning, the professor’s passions, the amazing talents of skilled writers, and the wonder in all areas of life, then it all comes into perspective. Why worry about myself when the wonder of God’s love in all creation flowers around. When we think less about ourselves and more about the greater community, then we can start living. Who knows where that path will go. We might discover increasing joy.
Questions for Reflection:
- When Jesus challenges us to die to ourselves to gain, how do you see that working for you?
- How do you see balance between self and community working in your life?
Prayer:
If you don’t have a prayer to say, here’s one: “Lord God, when we focus too much on ourselves or not enough, help us to know the difference and keep our eyes focused on you and your mission in our lives. Increase within us the joy of life! Amen.”
Login To Leave Comment