The parable of the man with two sons highlight the inadequate and faulty understanding of money and the meaning of life. The younger son, the one we commonly call “Prodigal,” was a consumer, selfishly using money for self-gratification. For the older brother, life was drudgery which embraced a narrow concept of good without the satisfying freedom of sharing and enjoying. The older son was as foolish as the wasteful spendthrift. You may read the whole account in Luke 15:11-32.
The Wall Street Journal quoted an anonymous wit who defined money as, “An article which may be used as a universal passport to everywhere except heaven, and as a universal provider for everything except happiness.” We may add that money also provokes covetousness and competition. Money is either a wonderful servant or a ruthless task master.
In short, Jesus teaches that we only live where and when we are sharing and giving. Both brothers in Jesus’ parable missed the point. Jesus’ eyes were wide open to the needs of the poor. He offered help, hope and healing with declarations and demonstrations everywhere he went. Jesus embodied generosity and taught His followers to share unselfishly, especially with those who could not reciprocate or return a favor. The early church was a radical company of people who looked like Jesus. They willingly shared all they had (Acts 2:44-47; 4:33-37).
I invite you to notice Jesus’ example and explanation of liberality during Holy Week. We will discover that Jesus measures generosity by how much we keep, not how much we give. We will learn from his examples of hospitality and inclusiveness in several settings. In short, Holy Week events will reinforce an old saw of ours, “Dog bark, fish swim, lions roar and Christians give!”
Holy Week begins in less than 100 hours! I pray the Holy Spirit will teach us all, making this season a time of deepened understanding and enriched living.
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