Readings of the Parable of the Prodigal Son, which is the gospel lesson in this week's lectionary reading, typically see the older son who remains in the father's household as the good son, juxtaposed with the younger, "prodigal son" who wastes his father's inheritance and has to rely upon the father's mercy to be reconciled to the father and his household. The good son is seen as having earned his father's approval though his hard work, diligence, and faithfulness to his father and his household responsibilities.
When we read the parable closely, however, we see that the older son is as lost as the younger son. They both have the same nature, and that nature is narcissism and selfishness. Significantly, when the younger son makes the outrageous and inappropriate demand that the father immediately divide his inheritance, the older son is complicit in the younger son's demand and makes no effort not to accept his half of the inheritance. The younger son displays less self control than the older son. The older son has a stronger work ethic and is willing to play by the father's rules and societal norms, but the older son wants exactly the same thing as the younger son: the father's inheritance. In fact, we can say that the younger son is acting out the older son's desires.
Sometimes we are like the younger son, when we make serious mistakes and errors in judgment. Sometimes we are like the older son, when we are diligent and hard working and play by the rules. During this Season of Lent, which is ultimately a season of self examination and preparation for Easter, we must confront our nature. During those times that we behave like the younger son, we know that we must rely upon God's grace. Let's remember that during those times that we are like the older son, with our regular tithing and church attendance, we are just as narcissistic and self indulgent. We are concerned with our temporal well being and our eternal well being. And the father of the household knows our nature. Whichever son we emulate at the moment, we rely wholly upon God's grace for our place in the household.
Supporting the work and mission of Caney Spring United Methodist Church and Berlin United Methodist Church, two churches partnered in the ministry of making disciples of Christ for the transformation of the world, located in Marshall County, Tennessee.
