the prodigal son

[juan_carlos]

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i think its safe to say that everyone has heard of this story and that they all have an idea of what the lord was trying to convey when he was telling this. but i have recently come across an audio series that examines this story indepth and am surprised at just how rich and revealing this simple parable is. who is the prodigal son? who was the other brother? how did the story end?

the series is in mp3 format and can be downloaded free of charge from this website: The Tale of Two Sons

it is pretty long consisting of 3 one hour sessions, but it is an engaging, eye-opening, humbling and overall enriching experience if you do decide to listen. it is in my opinion a perfect resource for introducing the gospel to those who do not know it yet.

so if you think you know the story and what it means, i challenge you to listen to this and i guarantee you will be surprised at just how much u missed out.

the website i posted above offers excellent free audio resources on a wide variety of topics. some of my favorites include

what the bible has to say about homosexuality Homosexuality and the Bible
abortion The Biblical View of Abortion, Part 1
The Biblical View of Abortion, Part 2
evolution The Implications of Evolution

all resources are free, just click on the download button

[Soul Doctor]

I hate this story.
One of the reason I know I would not be a bible fanatic.
The story is a good example of my life
with an irresponsible brother and sister and an unfair mother.

This story depicts a family with no sense of justice.
And I would not do it to my sons if I will be in the same situation.

[josephdc]

I absolutely love this parable. This was the Gospel reading a couple of weeks ago.

I keep a journal and this was my impression of the parable:

"So he got up and went back to his father. While he was still a long way off, his father caught sight of him, and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him and kissed him." (Luke 15:20)

I love the verse above. Jesus gives us a glimpse of how God the Father truly loves us. I love the image of the father in the parable running towards his prodigal sin, embracing and kissing him. Imagine God running towards us sinners and hugging and kissing us! He loves us so much even after we have sinned against Him and squandered all the treasures He has given us. What's more, He throws a feast to celebrate his son's return! That gives us an image of Heaven rejoicing for every soul that returns to God.

I also think that that image of the son living with swines and trying to eat with them is a poignant one. That is what sin does to us! It throws us in the mud and makes us utterly dirty, and instead of dining with God's banquet in His Kingdom, we force ourselves to eat in the pods with swines! In Filipino culture, that is comparable to choosing to eat in a "punko-punko" instead of in a buffet restaurant!

[Hellblazer 2.1]

it's a practical story. and it's happening almost everyday. kung magka-lisud na jud, balik sa parents. patabang.

[miyay]

because love between members is all that matters in a family.

i sometimes use this shamelessly when my mother would get angry with me over some trivial matter..."unya mamatay gani ko before ta magka ayos, magbasol ra ka"...maldita jud

[BeerBreeze]

and the story in not called "prodigal son" but the "Forgiving Father"

[regnauld]

Walay story "The Prodigal Daughter?"

[handsoff241]

@regnauld what significance would it make sir? hehehe

@TS im gonna listen, since im big fan of this parable, and heard only sermons for additional explanation, i would gladly listen to that 3 1-hour parts. (hope i wont get bored)

[Soul Doctor]

You do not understand my point.

This is why a lot of religious parents have spoiled brats.
(Mayor Fernandez for example).
It is because of this specific parable.

This parable teaches parents to be forgiving.

But in the real world, forgiveness is not enough.

There should be punishment too-- after forgiveness.

There should be a Consequence to every action good or bad.
That is justice.

With out a sense of justice in the family, in the country or in this world.
We could never have peace.

[juan_carlos]

I hate this story.
One of the reason I know I would not be a bible fanatic.
The story is a good example of my life
with an irresponsible brother and sister and an unfair mother.

This story depicts a family with no sense of justice.
And I would not do it to my sons if I will be in the same situation.

in the study, the way you feel is exactly how the older brother felt..in fact that is why he was so mad at the father and caused him to unfortunately do what he did.. maybe u shud give it a listen.