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Saturday, March 13, 2010

The good from sin?

I heard 'The Prodigal Son' in church last Sunday! The story (a briefing for those who perchance may not know the story) is that of a man who had two sons. His younger son asked for his share of property and went away with it to explore the world. But soon he squandered all the wealth and was short of money. So he began to work as a hired help feeding pigs! He came to his senses realizing that he had forsaken his father’s love; for in his father’s house even hired men had food to spare! The story goes that he returned and asked forgiveness from his father and said he would work as a slave as he did not deserve to be called his son. His father on the other hand was overjoyed and celebrated his return. But this made the elder son angry and he complained that though he had been an obedient son, never once had his father been as extravagant on him. The father then explained that it is because of the joy of having found a son who had been lost.

On hearing the story again I was just wondering with a little boredom as to how many times since childhood would I have heard a sermon on this topic, when the priest said something that made me pay attention. He said that unless we have fallen into sin and repent and require forgiveness, how would we learn the importance of forgiving. This statement woke me from my half sleep and it suddenly brought into my mind the story of the book (play) 'Lady Windmere's fan' by Oscar Wilde. I had liked it because of a similar message it had held. A woman falls into sin (due to some miscommunication) and loses a lot in life because of that and realizes her blunder.

Later she finds out about her grown up daughter who happens to be in the same position 'of being about to fall into the pit' and rescues her from making the same mistake as her. And then is shared a profound wisdom by the author! I remember the words only vaguely, but he meant, 'that those who have fallen and are considered ‘low’ in society are often better people (than the good people of society who have never committed a serious mistake) because they know where the pits are and are so much wiser because of it and are also in a position to warn and prevent 'the good people' from committing the same mistakes. Their example and experience is what guides the 'good' to remain 'good'....

The basic message of ‘the prodigal son' was skipped in my mind and new messages unfolded! It is true that I have heard 'the prodigal son' around a thousand times since childhood; yet I realized another aspect of its meaning in church today. Wasn't the prodigal son repentant, meek and humble in the end when he returns to his father? And wasn't the son who never ever sinned (never left his father or disobeyed him) arrogant, unforgiving, jealous and too proud of being 'good'!

No doubt, as the priest said, "God sometimes allows us to go away from him"....... so we can come back as better people than what we were as obedient sons!

11 comments:

ANURAG MEHTA said...

OFCOURSE,JERLY,HOW CAN I FORGET YOU?..BECOZ U R INCLUDED IN THOSE DAYS ONE CAN NOT FORGET LIFELONG.THANKS FOR YOUR COMMENTS..PLZ KEEP VISITING MY BLOG.

Motifs said...

"God sometimes allows us to go away from him"....... so we can come back as better people than what we were as obedient sons!
I truly believe that,there was a time in my life when I totally lost faith in God,and had lost hope too...but in various ways I came to realize that God has his own way in showing the right path..and after each difficulty that came my way,I emerged as a stronger person...
Excellent and a thought provoking post Jerly..

sulekkha said...

Good post on importance of forgiving. 'To err is human, to forgive divine'
Thanks for sharing.

Monu Awalla said...

Best post to start off a day..!

Those who feel guilty after doing such sins must go through this story and above all the moral hidden behind...

I loved the humorous touch though of feeling boredom until the catchy part woke u up out of ur half asleep state.. :D

Very gripping one..

photos by jan said...

Being the blacksheep of my family for many years I can truly relate to this. thank you for a post that made me think. <3

Jerly said...

I am so glad u could relate to the post and share a part of yourself with me. Makes my post meaningful. Thanks Alpana, Sulekha, Monu and Jan

Tameka said...

Very thought provoking post. We learn the most from failure and pride can destroy even the best laid plans!

http://lyricfire.typepad.com/lyric-fire/2011/11/lyric-fire-nolanas-for-november.html

Jerly said...

Very truly said Tameka

Deepak Karthik said...

This time i read the entire paragraphs, no bold words to help me :( I enjoyed reading.. i reminds me of a Tamil quote " A person who forgives is a good Human but a person who asks someone to forgive him/her is a better human...

Jerly said...

Lovely :)

Fhermission said...

Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little. -- Luke 7:47
You knew Jerly what I have confessed from our conversation how terrible my life was when I went astray...But GOD still accepts me open arms. That is why I love Him so much. The LORD JESUS gave new life to me. I love Him so much because I have so many sins.
Those who have not suffered will not understand the pain.
A beautiful reminder my friend.

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