Celebratory Music

Luke 15: [25] "Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. [26] So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. [27] 'Your brother has come,' he replied, 'and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.'

The story of the prodigal’s son is one of the most familiar New Testament stories, yet one of the hardest for many of us to accept. After the immoral and irresponsible behavior of the younger son, the older son expected their father to react with anger and punishment, not by playing celebratory music and throwing a party for him. To the father and his younger son, music and dancing was a means of celebrating the joyful return of a wayward sinner. That music might not have sounded so sweet to the older son, who was envious that he had not had a celebration in his honor, though he had lived his life more modestly and responsibly.

This is just one of many times where the Gospel turns the conventional wisdom of the world upside down. If this story were in a movie, or TV drama, we would certainly be rooting for the older son, hoping that the father would give the younger son the cold shoulder, and drop him from the family inheritance. We expect that those who live their lives modestly and obey the rules are rewarded, while those who don’t are punished. Celebrations are reserved for the righteous, while condemnation awaits the disobedient.

Thank God - thank Jesus that this is not the message of the Gospel! If we only received the mercy we deserve for our human behavior, we would all be condemned. Try as we might to lead good lives, we will all stumble and behave like the younger son. Thank God for his forgiveness and mercy! When we turn away from sin and come home to God, he cranks up the tunes and welcomes us in for a celebration. When God receives someone who we feel is unworthy, we should be mindful of the poor reaction by the older brother and strive to be as generous with our forgiveness as God is to us.

Dear God, help us to let go of old family feuds and interpersonal grudges, and welcome back into our lives those who might have wronged us. If we have a broken relationship with a friend or family member, give us the strength to repent and come home. We thank you for your gifts of love, pardon and mercy, and for the music and dance to celebrate them with. Amen.

Susan Ardito

Seven7seas7@yahoo.com