The 15th chapter of Luke includes two of the best know stories in scripture: the Lost Sheep and the Prodigal Son. The Prodigal Son caused the most conversation. The question was asked, "What happens after the welcome home feast?" The older son is already upset about his father throwing a party for his younger brother, who wasted all of his inheritance (which should have been the older brother's in the first place) and comes home because he has nowhere else to go. Everyone in the group appreciated the older brother's feeling. An example was given of people receiving assistance when they fail to pay their mortgage. What about the people who have taken a big hit financially, but still faithfully pay their mortgage? How is their not receiving help fair? Are we supporting those who are irresponsible? It's difficult not to be upset. It doesn't seem fair. So we're back to the original question about what happens after the feast.
Two possibilities were given by the group, however, neither felt right. One possibility would be that after the party, the younger son receives another portion of the inheritance, but that seems truly unfair. A second possibility would be that the younger brother receives nothing, but that also doesn't feel right. Out of our discussion a third possibility arose. What if the gracious welcome the younger son received changed (transformed) his life? What if he refused any additional support? What if the welcome (which he didn't expect) was all he needed? This possibility felt right for everyone and reflected what we say about grace. We say God's grace has the power to change (transform) lives. Paul, Augustine, and Luther all believed in that transforming power.
This led to a discussion about where we have seen or experienced that transforming power in our lives. There are some faith traditions that are very comfortable talking about a changed or transformed life. We Lutherans are not as open about recognizing or sharing that experience. We tend not to point to one moment, but say that it happens over time. We say that transformation takes place in our baptism and that we acknowledge that change in confirmation. We say that transforming power is experienced when we come to the table at worship or when we hear the word proclaimed. One person shared that they experienced that transforming power in the Book of Faith conversations. The more we talked, the more examples were put on the table. The conversation then turned to how we, as Lutherans, can lift up and celebrate those moments and occasions of transformation. We need to say, like our brothers and sisters in other traditions, that the gospel, the grace of God, has the power to change lives and is doing so each and every day.
Peace,
Pastor Summer
No comments:
Post a Comment