“Welcome Wagon, Welcome Mat”
(March 14, 2010) As we hear the story of the “prodigal son” (or more accurately, perhaps, the prodigal parent), we might be tempted to hear a tale of easy forgiveness and cheap grace. But when we look at the details of the parable and consider it in the historical context of its time, we find instead extravagant welcome and forgiveness that is very costly indeed, and we are invited into a ministry of life-restoring reconciliation that must never be taken for granted. (Luke 15:1-3, 11b – 32)
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With ample and loving reference to Barbara Brown Taylor’s brilliant sermon, “The Parable of the Dysfunctional Family,” 2006.
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