Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Today’s text

Luke 15:25-31

'Now the elder son was out in the fields, and on his way back, as he drew near the house, he could hear music and dancing. Calling one of the servants he asked what it was all about. The servant told him, "Your brother has come, and your father has killed the calf we had been fattening because he has got him back safe and sound." He was angry then and refused to go in, and his father came out and began to urge him to come in; but he retorted to his father, "All these years I have slaved for you and never once disobeyed any orders of yours, yet you never offered me so much as a kid for me to celebrate with my friends. But, for this son of yours, when he comes back after swallowing up your property -- he and his loose women -- you kill the calf we had been fattening." 'The father said, "My son, you are with me always and all I have is yours."

Reflection

All the years. All the wasted years. All the time he knew neither himself nor his father, missing the place of privilege that was always his.

The whole time he thought life was about him, about his faithfulness and hard work, about toeing the line, obeying the rules, keeping his nose clean and making sure the old man was happy.

He missed what was always there. What made his life possible had nothing to do with his work or being a good citizen.

He failed to notice that life is not about the brownie points he piled up, building credits he could cash in on a rainy day.

He thought life was about keeping score. He was wrong.

Life is about knowing its Source, the Giver of Life---and recognizing that all we ever are is receivers. No matter who we are or what we do we remain receivers from the Infinite Fountain who is always there, always willing, always sharing the gift that life always is.

“All that I have is yours. Always was. Always will be.

“The same way it is always there for the ones who wander off, finally to slink home at 3 a.m., smelling of stale beer and cheap perfume and offering apologies in which I have no interest.

“Didn’t you know this? Didn’t you see that you could take from my completeness at any time and know life in abundance, love without measure and joy beyond expectation?

“It was there for you all the time. Still is.

“Don’t waste another moment.”

Pr. David L. Miller