Parables and mirrors
by Neil Bergmann
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But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found (Luke 15:32).
Read Luke 15:1–3,11b–32
We are travelling through Lent, through this time of reflection, repentance and self-examination. This is an excellent time to look at this parable about the prodigal son because these parables of Jesus are a great mirror to look at ourselves.
While it can be interesting and informative to examine the social, economic and religious backgrounds of the parables, if we only do this, there is a danger that it becomes a historical anecdote about ancient Jewish family life (in the parable) and ancient Jewish religious life (in the complaints of the Pharisees and Jesus’ response). We judge what is right and wrong with the various characters in a morality exercise.
The parables of Jesus invite us to do much more – they invite us to step into the story and examine how similar we are to the characters. Actually, let me be more specific – how similar I am, personally, to the characters. When we talk about advice for ‘us’, it often feels like it’s meant for others – I might have a bit of a problem, but it’s really the ‘rest of you’ who need to pay attention. So, what do I see about myself in this story?
The younger son demands his share of his inheritance right now and then wastes the money on extravagant living. How extravagant is my current lifestyle, and how much of creation’s bounty am I leaving to sustain future generations? If I recognise that I am suffering, how long do I spend trying to fix my situation before I call on God for help? Am I humble enough to recognise my failings? Do I really trust that God still loves me, even when I have strayed so far away?
What about when others turn to me for help? How quickly do I judge what they have done wrong and what they now deserve? How ready am I to look for the lost and celebrate their return? Do I secretly think I need to be recognised and celebrated a bit more than I am?
Undertaking self-examination helps us to understand the necessity of Jesus’ journey to the cross, guiding our choice to live in the kingdom of heaven here on Earth.
Jesus, your parables invite me to look at myself humbly and honestly. Prepare my heart through Lent to grieve for my failings and to rejoice in my new life through your Easter resurrection. Amen.
Neil Bergmann is currently the chair of Lutheran Earth Care Australia and New Zealand. A retired computer engineer, he worships at Our Saviour Lutheran Church, Rochedale, Queensland.
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