Padre y ejemplo

Armodoxy for Today: Father and Example

We continue our dive into the parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke chapter 15) by focusing on the father in the story.

The first thing we learn about him is that he gives completely, without restriction or condition. His younger son says, “Give me my inheritance so I can go out and establish and begin my life.” The father, being a wise man, certainly understands that the son may lose or squander the money, but does not argue with his child. There are times in our lives when we need to let go. Even though we may know better than our children, their life is theirs. Yes, making mistakes can be painful, but it is in those mistakes that children learn. This father understand this rule: he lets go of his son. As difficult as it is, he allows his son – the one that he loves – to leave. He allows his son to establish his own life.

La segunda vez que vemos al padre es cuando el hijo regresa. Recuerda que el hijo está arrepentido, o al menos comprende que puede tener una vida mejor regresando a la casa de su padre. Sin importar cuáles sean las intenciones del hijo, el padre, al verlo regresar, sale a su encuentro en el camino y ni siquiera permite que su hijo pida perdón. No juega al orgullo. No dice neciamente: "Esperaré a ver qué tiene que decir". Él está ahí para aceptar a su hijo. No dice: "Te lo dije. Sabía que volverías". En cambio, reconoce a su ser querido, el hijo al que cuidó, vio nacer y crió, ¡que ahora había regresado! Qué emocionado debió sentirse. Por supuesto, corrió hacia su hijo y lo abrazó.

Now there are two dimensions to this. Let’s follow each of them. First, the father in the parable is an expression of our Heavenly Father. God in heaven waits for us to come home and when we do turn back, He does not wait for us to beg to return to His Kingdom. Suffice it that we turn back home that He approaches us, embracing and grabbing us, He takes us in, giving us Life! That’s what this father did and that’s what our Heavenly Father does.

God accepts us as true children of His Kingdom.

Second, the father’s actions tell us what is required of us in our relationships, not necessarily with children, but with one another. There are people who have hurt us. The degrees of hurt are not consequential. Perhaps we have cried over a misspoken word, or we have been devastated by betrayal. The hurt has left a chasm in our relationships with others. We have all created divisions between ourselves and God by virtue of our actions or inaction,  yet God has given us a way back. We too must do the same and leave doors open for those people to return back to us. In other words, an end to grudges is in order. Don’t get caught up in foolish pride. Leave doors open without expecting someone to walk through. Don’t wait for those who have hurt you to return, just know that deep down there are many desires that may not be understood. If the door is open, they may return and when they do you will embrace them.

Know that the heart is speaking to you. Do not think with your mind. Be ready to take in.Be ready to embrace, to hug, to suffocate them with the love that is in your heart.This is the example that Jesus gives us through the character of the father.

Ahora rezamos la oración de San Nerses Shnorhali, de “Confieso con fe”:

I confess with faith and adore you, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, uncreated and immortal essence, creator of angels, of humans and all that exists. Have mercy upon your creatures and upon me, a great sinner. (1/24)