http://blog.adw.org/2010/03/pondering-the-prodigal-parable/ Connecting the dots between Catholic faith and culture Tue, 07 Sep 2010 14:04:31 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 http://blog.adw.org/2010/03/pondering-the-prodigal-parable/comment-page-1/#comment-8383 anon Mon, 29 Mar 2010 11:58:01 +0000 http://blog.adw.org/?p=5952#comment-8383 This parable is very special to me these days. As a child of about 8 years of age I decided to go to church. My family was neither for nor against it but, my parents did act responably by selecting a small church with a minister who had a simple, yet sincere message. I wanted to go to the Eastern Catholic church my paternal grandmother attended but, my father had broken away from that church. I suspect, but may never know, that everyone thought that my attendance was a "flash in a pan" thing that would die out in a few weeks or so. However, when I returned for a second year and expected another level of Sunday school the parish council seemed startled and excited (as best as I can recall.) All in all I attended three years then, dropped out. Not just of church but of life. I went to school only as required and hid in adventure stories and other books until I turned to alcohol at seventeen. Drifting about as a functioning alcoholic until my forties there was always a yearning to return to a Christian church and lifestyle. Promises to attend "next Sunday" were put off by Sunday morning hangovers; working overtime to cover the bills because the money had been wasted in bars, by whatever. Church was replaced by new age paganism and idolatry with its glittering exterior and lack of substance. Then guilt would lead me to flea to a church to attend once every few months and, always a different church. As mentioned, by my late forties the alcohol wouldn't work anymore. I could get drunk; stumble around; babble nonsense and - finally pass out - but the "feel good" aspect had abandoned me. In desperation I turned to street drugs and experienced a mixed blessing as they brought me to my knees - both literally and figuratively. I was fifty years old and walking through a park in the country because there were so many people in town would have beat me up on sight. Suddenly, it was like a curtain parted. All the rationalizations, denial and other lies stood before me appearing as the stone walls of a prison which encompassed me. Then a huge foot about eight feet long appeared hovering in the air and, with one swinging kick after another kicked those stone walls apart with kick after kick until they were rubble on the ground. Then the curtain closed and I stood alone feeling naked and ashamed. I walked to welfare and asked for help and went to de tox and to rehab. They taught me to look at myself with the help of others instead of hiding from myself with toxic substances. After rehab it took over 6 months to gain even a hint of stablity and I decided to return to church, to make a committment. After checking out many; including the evangelical ones whose constant hallelieaus wore me out (I like "Handel's Messiah" and "When Angels Sing on High" in the appropriate time and place) I decided on the Eastern Catholic church of my grandmother. About a year after hitting bottom I walked into a service there. I'd been there a few times but, as someone checking it out; now it was as day one as a member. Here is the return to the point. The sermon that day was the Return of the Prodigal Son. During the sermon the tears started from my eyes. They could have easily been stifled as I had decades of practice stifling my true feelings but I let them flow. Afterward the priest approached me outside - we had a little talk and he hugged me. That was six years ago and I still attend regularly. I don't know why the shyness of using anon. My address will show who I am to the blog managers. I have other e mail addresses but, don't feel so shy as to use them. I don't feel so inclined toward shyness when someone needs help though. Those of us who are "living evidence" to the addict who feels hopeless - for that I do not hide - it's such a small return for all I have. For their sake I have no secrets. I am unshamed for I was sick and those I support are sick and I try my floundering and honest best. This parable is very special to me these days. As a child of about 8 years of age I decided to go to church. My family was neither for nor against it but, my parents did act responably by selecting a small church with a minister who had a simple, yet sincere message. I wanted to go to the Eastern Catholic church my paternal grandmother attended but, my father had broken away from that church.
I suspect, but may never know, that everyone thought that my attendance was a “flash in a pan” thing that would die out in a few weeks or so. However, when I returned for a second year and expected another level of Sunday school the parish council seemed startled and excited (as best as I can recall.) All in all I attended three years then, dropped out. Not just of church but of life. I went to school only as required and hid in adventure stories and other books until I turned to alcohol at seventeen.
Drifting about as a functioning alcoholic until my forties there was always a yearning to return to a Christian church and lifestyle. Promises to attend “next Sunday” were put off by Sunday morning hangovers; working overtime to cover the bills because the money had been wasted in bars, by whatever. Church was replaced by new age paganism and idolatry with its glittering exterior and lack of substance. Then guilt would lead me to flea to a church to attend once every few months and, always a different church.
As mentioned, by my late forties the alcohol wouldn’t work anymore. I could get drunk; stumble around; babble nonsense and – finally pass out – but the “feel good” aspect had abandoned me. In desperation I turned to street drugs and experienced a mixed blessing as they brought me to my knees – both literally and figuratively. I was fifty years old and walking through a park in the country because there were so many people in town would have beat me up on sight. Suddenly, it was like a curtain parted. All the rationalizations, denial and other lies stood before me appearing as the stone walls of a prison which encompassed me. Then a huge foot about eight feet long appeared hovering in the air and, with one swinging kick after another kicked those stone walls apart with kick after kick until they were rubble on the ground. Then the curtain closed and I stood alone feeling naked and ashamed.
I walked to welfare and asked for help and went to de tox and to rehab. They taught me to look at myself with the help of others instead of hiding from myself with toxic substances. After rehab it took over 6 months to gain even a hint of stablity and I decided to return to church, to make a committment. After checking out many; including the evangelical ones whose constant hallelieaus wore me out (I like “Handel’s Messiah” and “When Angels Sing on High” in the appropriate time and place) I decided on the Eastern Catholic church of my grandmother. About a year after hitting bottom I walked into a service there. I’d been there a few times but, as someone checking it out; now it was as day one as a member.
Here is the return to the point. The sermon that day was the Return of the Prodigal Son. During the sermon the tears started from my eyes. They could have easily been stifled as I had decades of practice stifling my true feelings but I let them flow. Afterward the priest approached me outside – we had a little talk and he hugged me. That was six years ago and I still attend regularly.
I don’t know why the shyness of using anon. My address will show who I am to the blog managers. I have other e mail addresses but, don’t feel so shy as to use them.
I don’t feel so inclined toward shyness when someone needs help though. Those of us who are “living evidence” to the addict who feels hopeless – for that I do not hide – it’s such a small return for all I have. For their sake I have no secrets. I am unshamed for I was sick and those I support are sick and I try my floundering and honest best.

]]> http://blog.adw.org/2010/03/pondering-the-prodigal-parable/comment-page-1/#comment-7615 jean mahan Tue, 16 Mar 2010 01:51:17 +0000 http://blog.adw.org/?p=5952#comment-7615 There is a truth that is very valid, here in this story. A truth that has just hit the mark with me,recently, although i had felt it's "fearfull" weight some time past. The awesome responsibility of the Gift of the Father, our 'free will". Imagine a Father willing to let us go our own chosen way! He loves us so much He chooses not to control, and He continues to love and Hope for our return, lovingly forgiving all our transgressions,even forgetting them in His happiness that we ,"who were once dead, are now alive". Not only are we "alive", we are transfomed and being "in Christ Jesus", are experiencing the Resurrection! A"hunger" has brought us Home to the Father. Something was missing within us. Leaving our Pride behind and embracing Humility, we came Home to a New Beginning. Christ has died, Christ is Risen, Christ will come again! There is a truth that is very valid, here in this story. A truth that has just hit the mark with me,recently, although i had felt it’s “fearfull” weight some time past. The awesome responsibility of the Gift of the Father, our ‘free will”.
Imagine a Father willing to let us go our own chosen way! He loves us so much He chooses not to control, and He continues to love and Hope for our return, lovingly forgiving all our transgressions,even forgetting them in His happiness that we ,”who were once dead, are now alive”. Not only are we “alive”, we are transfomed and being “in Christ Jesus”, are experiencing the Resurrection!
A”hunger” has brought us Home to the Father. Something was missing within us.
Leaving our Pride behind and embracing Humility, we came Home to a New Beginning.
Christ has died, Christ is Risen, Christ will come again!

]]> http://blog.adw.org/2010/03/pondering-the-prodigal-parable/comment-page-1/#comment-7591 Justine Mon, 15 Mar 2010 16:04:00 +0000 http://blog.adw.org/?p=5952#comment-7591 I spent much of last week pondering this parable with various groups. Most of us were able to relate to at least two of the characters. During one of the discussions I learned how my lack of gentleness can interfere with the one returning. Even though I want all converted, I come on VERY strong and try to drag people back. Because I need to be hit over the head with a 2x4 to be woken up I thought everyone needed this. I have learned that SOME others need gentle persuasion. Need some discernment in this area!!! I have always been open to the one returning BUT the one returning doesn't always see my openness perhaps because of shame or fear or whatever. I also do think that the Prodigal was correct in thinking he would have to work for his Father. In many instances the offense is one that doesn't make full relationship possible immediately but the repentance is still valid. We can't, as prodigal, expect that all will accept our repentance with open arms on a human level when we return BUT we know that if our human parent or spouse or child or friend does not accept our amends that our Heavenly Father always will. I believe that when the son was in the foreign country he may have had only imperfect contrition BUT after he was embraced by his Father that his contrition was perfected. Unlike the previous commenter I have changed my name. I use my confirmation name to protect the innocent and the guilty!!! I spent much of last week pondering this parable with various groups. Most of us were able to relate to at least two of the characters. During one of the discussions I learned how my lack of gentleness can interfere with the one returning. Even though I want all converted, I come on VERY strong and try to drag people back. Because I need to be hit over the head with a 2×4 to be woken up I thought everyone needed this. I have learned that SOME others need gentle persuasion. Need some discernment in this area!!! I have always been open to the one returning BUT the one returning doesn’t always see my openness perhaps because of shame or fear or whatever. I also do think that the Prodigal was correct in thinking he would have to work for his Father. In many instances the offense is one that doesn’t make full relationship possible immediately but the repentance is still valid. We can’t, as prodigal, expect that all will accept our repentance with open arms on a human level when we return BUT we know that if our human parent or spouse or child or friend does not accept our amends that our Heavenly Father always will. I believe that when the son was in the foreign country he may have had only imperfect contrition BUT after he was embraced by his Father that his contrition was perfected.
Unlike the previous commenter I have changed my name. I use my confirmation name to protect the innocent and the guilty!!!

]]> http://blog.adw.org/2010/03/pondering-the-prodigal-parable/comment-page-1/#comment-7584 Bruce Mon, 15 Mar 2010 12:59:06 +0000 http://blog.adw.org/?p=5952#comment-7584 I think the parable's name is incorrect. I think it should be called the parable of the two sons. It even starts out "there was a certain man with two sons". I, also, identify with this parable. Because of anger and pride I left the church over thirty years ago. With the help of alchohol I was able to ignore GOD' s loving call to return. I was adrift and floundering. For some reason, this loving and caring woman came along and helped me straighten out my life and make me a responsible person. It took another fifteen years, but one day I realized that everything good in my life, although undeserved, came from the loving GOD I turned away from years ago. I have since come back to the fold and the joy in my heart is indescribable. The real twist is that my loving wife is not even Catholic but, I believe,GOD sent her to call me back. He truely works in mysterious ways I think the parable’s name is incorrect. I think it should be called the parable of the two sons. It even starts out “there was a certain man with two sons”.
I, also, identify with this parable. Because of anger and pride I left the church over thirty years ago. With the help of alchohol I was able to ignore GOD’ s loving call to return. I was adrift and floundering. For some reason, this loving and caring woman came along and helped me straighten out my life and make me a responsible person. It took another fifteen years, but one day I realized that everything good in my life, although undeserved, came from the loving GOD I turned away from years ago. I have since come back to the fold and the joy in my heart is indescribable. The real twist is that my loving wife is not even Catholic but, I believe,GOD sent her to call me back. He truely works in mysterious ways

]]> http://blog.adw.org/2010/03/pondering-the-prodigal-parable/comment-page-1/#comment-7582 Msgr. Charles Pope Mon, 15 Mar 2010 11:47:16 +0000 http://blog.adw.org/?p=5952#comment-7582 Again, praise God for your journey as well. I have not heard the Dickens quote, thank you. Again, praise God for your journey as well. I have not heard the Dickens quote, thank you.

]]> http://blog.adw.org/2010/03/pondering-the-prodigal-parable/comment-page-1/#comment-7581 Msgr. Charles Pope Mon, 15 Mar 2010 11:46:17 +0000 http://blog.adw.org/?p=5952#comment-7581 Praise God! Praise God!

]]> http://blog.adw.org/2010/03/pondering-the-prodigal-parable/comment-page-1/#comment-7580 Msgr. Charles Pope Mon, 15 Mar 2010 11:45:59 +0000 http://blog.adw.org/?p=5952#comment-7580 Yes, I have heard this too and remarked along the same lines. The word prodigal in its orginal meaning was "generous" and that would surely be applied to the Father. Over the years we let it slip and it got attached to the son. But because of this most people think prodigal means sinful when as you point out it does not. Yes, I have heard this too and remarked along the same lines. The word prodigal in its orginal meaning was “generous” and that would surely be applied to the Father. Over the years we let it slip and it got attached to the son. But because of this most people think prodigal means sinful when as you point out it does not.

]]> http://blog.adw.org/2010/03/pondering-the-prodigal-parable/comment-page-1/#comment-7579 Msgr. Charles Pope Mon, 15 Mar 2010 11:43:41 +0000 http://blog.adw.org/?p=5952#comment-7579 Ah but you are the other son too and it looks like you have also finished the parable for yourself, in he celebration rejoicing. Praise the Lord. Ah but you are the other son too and it looks like you have also finished the parable for yourself, in he celebration rejoicing. Praise the Lord.

]]> http://blog.adw.org/2010/03/pondering-the-prodigal-parable/comment-page-1/#comment-7578 Msgr. Charles Pope Mon, 15 Mar 2010 11:41:46 +0000 http://blog.adw.org/?p=5952#comment-7578 Praise the Lord for the grace of conversion! Praise the Lord for the grace of conversion!

]]> http://blog.adw.org/2010/03/pondering-the-prodigal-parable/comment-page-1/#comment-7577 Msgr. Charles Pope Mon, 15 Mar 2010 11:40:23 +0000 http://blog.adw.org/?p=5952#comment-7577 Yes a good insight, we should also dare to see ourselves inthe role Jesus, or in this case the Father. Yes a good insight, we should also dare to see ourselves inthe role Jesus, or in this case the Father.

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