SUNDAY OF LUKE THE PRODIGAL, 17th
WRITTEN TH. KIRYGMA
The Sunday of the Prodigal Son
The Prodigal Son in today’s parable, my fellow Christians, is a tragic figure in terms of his waywardness and his departure from his father’s home, but also a figure worthy of emulation, because he was able, from the depths of his despair, to repent and get back on his feet. Above all, however, one cannot help but admire the Father’s patience and his boundless love and compassion.
If we now apply the above characters and situations to everyday life, we observe the following:
It is a fact that man is led astray by the devil, the source of all evil, and seeks his freedom within the bondage of sin, because «Everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin.» (Saint Ephraim). Thus he becomes a slave to immorality (he considers free sexual relationships to be freedom), of his stomach (he refuses to fast), of wickedness, and of vanity (he strives for wealth and glory).
The goal and the desire are to understand where slavery lies and where freedom lies. If he understands this, he is saved; and then, directing his steps toward his spiritual father and, through him, toward God, he will be able to say: «Father, I have sinned against Heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me as one of your hired servants.».
After that, he will be able to enjoy the boundless love and mercy of God the Father. Abba Agathon was once asked how boundless love is manifested, and he replied: «Love is to find a leper and gladly give him my body, and, if possible, to take his in return.».
That is why Christ came to earth and took on the mortal and sinful flesh of man and sanctified it, since He Himself was without sin and showed us the way to our salvation.
My fellow Christians, God eagerly awaits every wayward and sinful person, and with great joy, once they have repented, restores them to His filial glory, for as St. Chrysostom says, «God is not petty and forgives all the past sins of the repentant person.».
It is a fact that only by living close to God—the Father—can we enjoy true freedom and thus experience, even in this life, that heavenly peace and beauty. AMEN.
Rev. Pan. Megalokonomos
