The parable of the Prodigal Son. We all know it well. We know about the wastrel younger son and how that was how we were and the sanctimonious older son is how we might be now. Or do we.
One of the most interesting things about this story is how strongly we identify as one or the other son; it depends on how we are feeling about ourselves at that particular moment. The good thing is that we don’t have to choose which one we are like because we are, by turns, both of them. The sermon title is “Which child are we?”* and it is a a trick question because we are both, the choice is a false dichotomy. There will be times when we feel like we are unworthy to be called a child of God and there are times that we will feel like we are better than others but not being treated properly. In both cases, our father comes to us with the reassurance, encouragement, even cajoling, we need, and that is the best part of the story.
Knox Presbyterian Which child are we?
St. Mark’s Presbyterian Which child are we?
Enjoy this different take on a very familiar story.
Blessings,
*I chose to use “child” rather than “son” to make sure no one thinks they can escape 🙂
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