Some are lost through stupidity and thoughtlessness, like sheep who do not intentionally go astray.
The second type of errant soul is illustrated in the parable of the lost coins. Sheep may lose themselves but a coin is not lost through its own fault but generally through carelessness of others. To this group belong many delinquent children whom parental carelessness allowed to roll into the streets and to become lost.
A third class, described in the parable of the prodigal son, is composed of those who go astray neither through heedlessness nor through the fault of others but with deliberate choice. Refusing to accept parental discipline, they ask for a share of money to enjoy what is called their 'own freedom' and to make their 'own life' as the prodigal did who went off into a foreign country.
The fourth class is illustrated in the same parable by the elder son who is unconscious that he is a sinner, though all too conscious of the sin of his brother. There was no record in the story as told by Our Lord that the younger son had wasted his substance on harlots but when the elder son protested he inserted that charge.
Neither does he speak of his brother but he speaks of the 'father's son' thereby indicating that he had lost all social sense. The parable of the prodigal son is, therefore, the story of two sons who lost their father's love: one because he was too good and the other because he was too bad.
But there is hope for each one of them. In the first instance, the shepherd, when he finds the lost sheep, put it upon his shoulders and rejoices, though there was no record that he rejoiced in the possession of the ninety-nine that were not lost. What is it that makes the Divine Shepherd so agitated and sad in heart at the loss of just one when he has so many? Very likely because it was his property and also because of his great compassion for men who have lost their way. Putting it upon his shoulders was a rest-giving act, very likely needful to the poor sheep which could go no further and was faint and weary.
The parable of the lost coin in part implies that every coin bore itself some image, as the Roman coin had Caesar's image upon it and the coin which Jacob paid for a debt was stamped with a lamb. The implication here is that every man is made to the image and likeness of God and once again what is introduced is the note of proprietorship. The woman who found the coin lighted the candle and swept the house which would represent the disturbance of settled opinion and practices and the turning of the soul upside down to indicate a willingness to have a present order disturbed in order to save one lost man. When the coin is found all the neighbours are called in to rejoice though there is no indication that there was such a celebration in the possession of the other nine. Joy is necessarily social or as someone has put it: "Happiness is born a twin!" and we must share it with others.
The prodigal son returned to the father's house because of emptiness in his soul. Recognition of his guilt preceded a true restoration. Up to this point he had lived 'outside' of himself; now in the language of the Gospel he 'enters into himself' that is, begins to reflect and to see his true nature.
When he starts back, he finds that the father is not in his own house but is out on the roadway ready to welcome him back. Forgiveness meets us more than halfway. The kiss of welcome is extended before one word of penitence or request had been spoken. Then comes the feast where Heaven keeps holiday, when some poor waif comes slinking back to the Father.
The elder son represents those who are rather resentful of the mercy extended to others. Even though the elder son had remained home, it was a thankless service; there was no glow of family love to warm it and never once did he realize the beauties of sonship. Many are cradled in the sacred associations of the Church but it is not a loving service but only a duty. There are souls within the Kingdom of God who are not fully in sympathy with the greatness of Divine Love.
BY ARCHBISHOP FULTON J. SHEEN ( 1895 - 1979 )
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Sunday, May 24, 2009
I have through years of reading, pondering, reflecting and contemplating, the 3 things that last; FAITH . HOPE . LOVE and I would like to made available my sharing from the many thinkers, authors, scholars and theologians whose ideas and thoughts I have borrowed. God be with them always. Amen!
I STILL HAVE MANY THINGS TO SAY TO YOU BUT THEY WOULD BE TOO MUCH FOR YOU NOW. BUT WHEN THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH COMES, HE WILL LEAD YOU TO THE COMPLETE TRUTH, SINCE HE WILL NOT BE SPEAKING AS FROM HIMSELF, BUT WILL SAY ONLY WHAT HE HAS LEARNT; AND HE WILL TELL YOU OF THE THINGS TO COME.
HE WILL GLORIFY ME, SINCE ALL HE TELLS YOU WILL BE TAKEN FROM WHAT IS MINE. EVERYTHING THE FATHER HAS IS MINE; THAT IS WHY I SAID: ALL HE TELLS YOU WILL BE TAKEN FROM WHAT IS MINE. - JOHN 16:12-15 -
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