Sermon Reflection | March 10, 2013

Read: 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 and Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32
Listen: Embracing Grace
Dig a little deeper: 
     Okay, then again, don't read the scripture above.  Just watch this: the Prodigal Son, Finding Nemo style! (But really, do read it because the Finding Nemo version doesn't have the jealous brother in it).

     This song is just a tad too sappy for my taste, but you might really like it. 

     A trailer for the movie, "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner," the ultimate awkward family dinner (NOT in fact starring Audrey Hepburn)

     I didn't use Kate Huey's commentary this week too much in my own sermon, but she always writes stuff that makes me think while warming my heart.  

Sermon Follow-up, and some questions:

I truly believe this is one of the most relateable stories in the Bible.  There is no family that goes without any kind of rift, whether it's something small as not liking the way they clean and manage their time or as big as an extra-marital affair and drug addiction.  We all have them, and Jesus knows that, so he tells this story. 

This wasn't even new to the New Testament.  Even Micah, 500-700 years earlier, spoke, "For the son treats the father with contempt, the daughter rises up against her mother, the daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; your enemies are members of your own household.  But as for me, I will look to the Lord, I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me." Micah 7:6-7.  

To make this passage even more important-- not only can we all relate to it, but it carries the subjects that nag us when we go to sleep at night.  We are all burdened by the rifts in our relationships.  Every single one of us feels a heavy weight that we wish we could forgive and be forgiven. 

What do you think?  How does this passage relate to you (if that's something you even want to share on a public forum, of course!)?  When it comes to those controversial topics of how the story fits into our culture and society, how do you feel?  When it comes to welcoming people into our faith community, how do you feel?

Painting depicting the Prodigal Son, by James Janknegt

And finally, on another note:

I want to put in a plug for a pastor-friend, Rev. Rob Leveridge, who is nearing the end of his Kickstarter campaign to raise the funds to put together a really great progressive Christian music CD.  Please take a minute to check out his video here, and consider donating as much or as little as you can to his project.  He's got a good thing going for him!  And if nothing else, you will be inspired by the video he's put together.