“You are always with me.” (Luke 15. 31) the father says to
the elder son in the parable of the prodigal son. The father is speaking to the
sense of security and shelter which has been overlooked or taken for granted. Here
the father reminds his son, of all that is his because he has remained present
and faithful as his child. He also is reminding his son that he can be as
generous as he desires. This is not shocking news for us who have read this
parable many times.
What stands out for me in this simple line scripture of the
dialogue between father and son is the invitation of God. God invites us to
awareness whether I am the prodigal son lost in my own world or the elder son
blinded to the bounty which is always offered to me. God’s abounding, bountiful
and steadfast love always meets us where we are and transforms the heart. Here God
is, always with us, with the invitation to step into God’s lavish love which is
always extended no matter what. As the prodigal child it is mine to receive
again and again. As the elder child it is mine to rediscover again and again. Regardless
of which of the two sons we feel we are more like, the love of God declares, “you
are always with me.” May this be our constant assurance in the week ahead.
God of Lavish Love,
you are always with us,
extending your generosity
and mercy each and every day.
If we feel lost this week
whisper into our ears, “you are always with me.”
If we feel defensive this week
from not feeling seen
whisper into our ears, “you are always with me.”
May our eyes, ears and heart
be opened to where you meet us
each and every day.
Amen.
Photo credits: Denny Muller and Cyrus Gomez
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