In the parable
of the prodigal son Jesus relates how a young man, his older brother, and a
father came face to face with reality. The younger son demanded that his father
immediately give him his inheritance. Days later this young man sold his inheritance,
packed his stuff, and left home. What do you think the father felt as his son walked
out the door?
If your children have left home or are
ready to do so, maybe you can identify somewhat with the ambivalence this
parent felt experiencing his son's leaving home to find his way in the world. Leaving
home takes determination, courage, and dreams. It's not whether you leave home,
but what attitude motivates you to do so.
In this
parable the young man left home with false assumptions that evolved into a life-threatening
crisis. Someone said, "We cling dogmatically to our assumptions as long as
possible." We often experience pain and suffering by acting on false assumptions.
Yet God in his mercy helps us correct the plunge into crisis and return to the
loving Father's love and forgiveness.
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