Once up on a time, there was a family with two children. The older child was nineteen, and had always been responsible, holding down jobs even while in school. The 18 year old…not so much. But as Spring Break approached, the younger one begged to take one of the family credit cards on the trip to Florida. As one might predict, the charges piled up. Then, with a couple of days left, they lost all contact with their child. Perhaps the cellphone was out of charge, but they were deeply worried. Finally, on Sunday night, a ragged and weary younger child staggered in through the door. Both parents immediately dropped what they were doing, and with tearful embraces, kept saying to this hot mess of a kid, “I love you so much.” This display was too much for the older child, who blurted out, “This is sickening! Aren’t you even going to voice your displeasure?” And they said, “We were just so worried. We feared the worst. And now, we just want to have a party.” And the older child walked out of the house. As it turns out, there is more than one way to leave home.
This is an updated, folksy retelling of Jesus’ story in Luke 15, commonly called the parable of the prodigal son. But as Amy Jill-Levine suggests, it is better named as the story of the father with two sons. It is, indeed, a story of an entitled child who asks so much of a parent. But it is also the story of an elder child who cannot tolerate such unbridled love. It is a story of conversion, and there are many in this tale.
During Lent, we are looking at “saints”, those who have modeled faith in unique ways. The saint this week is Augustine, whose life and work spanned the latter fourth and early fifth century. He was quite like the younger brother in Luke 15, as he did not come quickly to faith. His young adulthood was as wild as the worst parody of Spring break bad behavior. His prayer in those days, he would later quip, was “Lord, give me chastity, but not yet.” But as the prayers and pleadings of his mother, Monica, surrounded him, he met a pastor in Rome named Ambrose who guided him toward a deep Christian conversion. Augustine became one of the leading voices in the Church. He came home, and then some.
These stories raise questions for us. Have we ever strayed away, or kept away, from our best life? How did we find our way back home? What did we miss? Who supported us? Were there those who were not so happy when we showed up? Are we still staying away?
We’ll talk about this in worship on Sunday morning as the sermon is titled, “A Return from a Really Long Spring Break: A Sermon for Those Who Leave Home” . It arises from Luke 15: 11-30, which will be read by Jeff White. We’ll have a moment for children, sing hymns, and offer prayers. And the Sanctuary Singers, accompanied by Matthew Wachtman, will present the anthem.
We do hope, whether you have been a part of St. Mark’s for a while, or are just engaging us, that you join us in person or online. For the livestream, visit www.smumc.church, and click on the Live Stream banner.
