Lost

Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32

The prodigal son. We are so familiar with this text, or are we? What if we really listen to the story? What if we really sit with it and take it in? There's a book by Henri Nouwen called The Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming which does this and I recommend reading it. 

For today reading the story at least three times may be something you can do. The first time read it and see what words arise in you, write them down. The second time see if there is a character you identify with. The last time notice if there are new things which catch your mind. This is called lectio divina a way of studying the scripture and hearing it in new ways. 

It is important when something is so familiar to us to really delve into it. To really hear the story. To soak it into our soul. This story has much to teach us other than forgiveness. There are three people in the story, there are the people listening to the story, there is the response to grumblings that were being expressed and the story is a response. All of these ask us to listen deeply and ask us to hear the story in new light. 

So please take time to read and listen. Lent is a time for us to be more intentional about our relationship with God, a time to deny ourselves and our busy schedules and take time with God. Make the time to read and learn. The reward is there when we slow down and take the time for relationship with God.