Food for the Soul: The Prodigal Son

Then He said: "'A certain man had two sons. And the younger of them said to his father, 'Father, give me the portion of goods that falls to me.' So he divided to them his livelihood. And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together, journeyed to a far country, and there wasted his possessions with prodigal living. But when he had spent all, there arose a severe famine in that land, and he began to be in want. Then he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would gladly have filled his stomach with the pods that the swine ate, and no one game him anything. But when he came to himself, he said, 'How many of my father's hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger. I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants."' And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. And the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.' But the father said to his servants, 'Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry; for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' And they began to be merry.

"Now his older son was in the field. And as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. So he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. And he said to him, 'Your brother has come, and because he has received him safe and sound, your father has killed the fatted calf.' Be he was angry and would not go in. Therefore his father came out and pleaded with him. So he answered and said to his father, 'Lo, these many years I have been serving you; I have never transgressed your commandment at any time; and yet you never game me a young goat, that I might make merry with my friends. But as soon as this son of yours came, who has devoured your livelihood with harlots, you killed the fatted calf for him.' And he said to him, 'Son, you are always with me, and all that I have is yours. It was right that we should make merry and be glad, for you brother was deal and is alive again, and was lost and is found." (Luke 15: 11-32)

Every year as Great Lent approaches, we hear the sermon of the Prodigal Son. It is multi-faceted story. The joy with which the father welcomed back his errant son is easily seen. You can empathize with the older brother, who has so steadfastly followed his father's rules and was not, in his eyes, rewarded with as much revelry. But perhaps the most compelling emotional reaction can be attributed to the guilt felt by the younger son, having squandered his father's riches.

It is hard not to feel compassion for this younger brother. He was, after all, contrite about his sinful behavior. He had done wrong - and he knew it. He did not try to make excuses for his sins. As he approached his father's house, he did not say, "OK, I'm going to tell my father that all of my money was stolen and he will feel sorry for me and give me more!" No, he was going to take responsibility for his actions, and ask his father to employ him as a servant.

Imagine how difficult that must have been? Pride could easily have prevented him from doing such an act. Pride could have made him suffer in silence, leaving his father to worry about him, for he would have had no knowledge of his whereabouts or well-being. Pride could have forced him to turn back in shame.

But he did what many of us might find difficult, he admitted he was wrong.

Admitting defeat to a parent can be very humbling. Like the older of the brothers, we may try hard to please our parents. When we fail, it can be tremendously difficult to acknowledge our own insecurities to the people we look up to most in our lives. When we fail and must admit our failures to our parents, it can sometimes be with feelings of fear and great trepidation. Fear that they will be upset at our actions, and trepidation that we will no longer be looked upon with as much love.

The father however, reveals the true meaning of forgiveness. He does not turn his son away. He does not yell at him for neglecting to manage his finances. He does not put him to work as if he were his servant. On the contrary, he embraces his son. He goes to meet him on the road. He revels in his return, and rejoices in the fact that he has been found. He forgives his son, and shows his unconditional love by celebrating his return.

It is much the same with God and His love for us, His children. Sometimes, when we are at our lowest, it can be easy to think we are too lost for God to really love us, that we have gone too far off course, or aren't good enough for Him, or have sinned too much to be considered one of the "good people." The prodigal son was indeed at his lowest, and had no expectations that his father would regard him as worthy to be called his son. Yet, the father loved his son so much, he rejoiced simply because he returned to him. God asks the same of us, that we return to him when we have sinned and ask His forgiveness.

As we start our Lenten journey, let us remember that God does forgive us. Forgiveness Sunday (March 13) stands as a reminder of His love for us. It is not just a Sunday Vespers where we tell everyone we're sorry. It is a new beginning. It is the beginning of our journey towards growing closer to God during Lent, allowing us to return home to Him. Throughout our lives, all of us stray from God. We are all prodigal sons and daughters to some extent. This particular gospel reading stands a reminder that, through confession and with true repentance, we are always allowed to return to God, and will be welcomed into his all-loving and embracing arms.

I have recklessly forgotten Your glory, O Father

and among sinners I have scattered the riches which You had given me.

Therefore, I cry to You like the Prodigal:

"I have sinned before you, O Compassionate Father;

receive me a penitent and make me as one of Your hired servants."

(Prodigal Son Kontakion)

On the Calendar:

• May 13-15, 2005 FOCA National Basketball Tournament, Minneapolis, MN
  

• May 27-30, 2005 - 100th Anniversary of Founding of Monastery of St Tikhon of Zadonsk in South Canaan, PA
  

• June 18-24, 2005 - St Vladimir Seminary Youth Institute
  

• July 17-22, 2005 - 14th All-American Council
  

• August 9, 2005 - 35th Anniversary of the Glorification of St Herman of Alaska
  

• September 1-5, 2005 - FOCA Convention

FOCA National Basketball Tournament, Minneapolis, MN (May 13-15, 2005)

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – The Fellowship of Orthodox Christians in America’s 2005 national basketball tournament will be hosted by Saint Mary Cathedral here May 13-15, 2005. The tournament is open to all Orthodox Christian youth.

The fun-filled weekend opens with registration and a reception at the cathedral parish center on Friday, May 13, at 6:00 p.m. Food, beverages, and a games will be available until 9:00 p.m., when guest basketball players will be picked up by their host families.On Saturday, May 14, a full day of games will begin at 8:30 a.m. at Eden Prairie High School. Vespers will be celebrated at Saint Mary Cathedral at 5:30 p.m., followed by a banquet and dance at the parish center. On Sunday morning, all participants will attend the Divine Liturgy at the cathedral. A brunch will follow at the parish center. Championship games will be held at Eden Prairie High School at noon.While in Minneapolis, participants may also visit the Twin Cities’ beautiful parks, the Minnesota Zoo, Minnehaha Falls, the Science Museum, many challenging golf courses, the Mall of America, and other exciting sites.

Adult participants will be housed at the Doubletree Park Place Hotel, 1500 Park Place Blvd., St. Louis Park, MN 55416. A special room rate of $79.00 per night plus tax is available to all tournament participants. Reservations may be made before April 15 by calling the hotel toll free at 800-245-9190 or on-line at www.doubletreeminneapolis.com.

Additional information may be obtained by contacting Mrs. Cheryl Morse, general chairperson, at 952-423-5480, by visiting the cathedral web site at www.stmarysoca.org, or by logging on to the FOCA web site at www.orthodoxfellowship.org.

100th Anniversary of Founding of Monastery of St Tikhon of Zadonsk in South Canaan, PA (May 27-30, 2005)

Established in 1905 by Saint Patriarch Tikhon during his years as archbishop in North America and Archimandrite [later Archbishop] Arseny, the monastery is North America’s oldest,” said the Very Rev. John Matusiak, OCA communications director. “Over the past century, countless pilgrims have passed under the landmark arch at the monastery entrance to find spiritual comfort and strength, to gather with other Orthodox Christians in prayer and fellowship, and to reaffirm their commitment to Christ and His Holy Church. The centennial celebration will mark yet another important milestone in the Church in North America’s spiritual heritage.”

Rooms have been reserved for pilgrims at the Comfort Inn, Hamlin, PA, a short drive from the monastery. Special activities are being planned for youth. In view of the unprecedented number of pilgrims expected to participate in the pilgrimage, it is advised that reservations be made early by calling the Comfort Inn at 800-523-4426 or 570-689-4148.

St Vladimir's Seminary Youth Institute (June 18-24)

St Vladimir's Seminary in Crestwood, NY is now accepting applications for the summer 2005 Youth Institute for High School Juniors. Each year, six qualifying high school juniors, three males and three females, are chosen from a pool of applicants and given full scholarships to attend. Except for travel to and from the seminary, all expenses are covered by the scholarship. Held from June 18–24, 2005, the program coincides with the Liturgical Institute of Music and Pastoral Practice for adults. Participants in the youth institute join in some of the facets of the adult institute, but break off into their own discussion groups and take special excursions.

This years' institute will explore the relationship of the Orthodox Church to our surrounding culture. "Teenagers challenge this year's institute theme in a singular way," says Prof. Albert Rossi, who helps lead the youth in this program. "They must live in a world of corporate and political corruption at high levels, violence of every sort, and at the same time try to live a life in Jesus Christ and His Church. My expectations of teens today are higher than ever. The stakes are high and the battles are ferocious. Teens must reach down deeply and choose their battles. I have seen the commitment of some teens to high values and I look forward to their contribution at this year's summer institute."

All high school juniors who are active in their faith and motivated to spend a week of their summer in this fun but challenging program are encouraged to apply. More details are available in the events section of the seminary's website, www.svots.edu, along with a downloadable application form. Inquirers may also e-mail Fr Steven Belonick, the program coordinator, at belonick@svots.edu, or call him at (914) 961-8313, ext. 328.

14th All-American Council Youth and Young Adult Activities (July 17-22, 2005)

As the Orthodox Church in America perpares to gather in Toronto, ONT, Canada for the 14th All-American Council this July 17-22,, 2005, the OCA Department of Youth, Young Adult, and Campus Ministry is preparing another full slate of exciting activies for youth and young adults.

"Department members are hearing that parishes are planning to send their entire youth groups, with some even planning to rent buses, " said the Rev. Michael Anderson, OCA Youth Director. "Many parishes are hold fundraisers throughout the year to cover expenses."

Activities are being planned in five age groups

• Ages 6 and under
• Ages 7-9
• Ages 10-12
• Teens
• Young Adults (18+)

The schedule will include dynamic educational sessions, trips to several area attractions in Toronto, a youth choir, a service project for young adults attending the Council, and much more.

"Since 1995, participation of youth and young adults at the All-American Council has double at each subsequent Council, reaching a peak of over 400 participants at the 13th All-American Council in Orlando, FL in 2002," Fr Michael added. "From what I am hearing during my travels, the council has become the even in which yout and their parents look forward to participating - the perfect place for youth to renew their commitment ot Christ and His Church as they build friendships that can span thousands of miles and many years."

More information will be available on the OCA website at http://www.oca.org/ in the coming months.

If you would like to be placed on an e-mail list to receive regular updates please contact the Youth Department at mailto:yyacm@oca.orgwith your name, address, phone number, and e-mail address.

35th Anniversary of the Glorification of St. Herman of Alaska (August 9, 2005)

As one of the 15 autocephalous Orthodox Churches throughout the world with the responsibility to glorify saints for the veneration of the faithful, the Orthodox Church in America will celebrate the 35th anniversary of North America's first saint, St. Herman of Alaska, on August 9, 2005.

Each year pilgrims from across North American and around the world gather in Kodiak, AK for the four to five day pilgrimage which includes akathists to St. Herman, vigil for the feast, Divine Liturgy, veneration of the relics, and a pilgrimage by boat to Spruce Island where St. Herman resided and fell asleep in the Lord.

More information about the pilgrimage will become available in upcoming months. Be sure to keep checking the OCA website at http://www.oca.org/.

Inviting all Young Adults to the 2005 FOCA Convention (September 1-5, 2005)

The Fellowship of Orthodox Christians in America (FOCA) together with the Orthodox Church in America's (OCA) Department of Youth, Young Adults and Campus Ministries invites you, the Young Adults, to the annual FOCA National Convention. This year's convention will be held at the Hilton Mark Center Hotel in Alexandria, VA (right outside Washington DC) during Labor Day weekend, September 1 - 5, 2005. Special hotel rates will be available.

The FOCA is working on many exciting opportunities relating to Young Adults. Activities include a Friday night Welcome Reception, YA Session on Saturday, Volleyball tournament, Banquet and Ball on Sunday.

We encourage you to come and help shape the future of the FOCA. We look forward to seeing you there!

If you have questions or would like more information, please contact Lara Herzak at lherzak@yahoo.com or visit the 2005 FOCA Convention website at http://foca2005.home.comcast.net/ or the FOCA website at http://www.orthodoxfellowship.org

To announce an event in YO-Mail e-mail us at yomail@oca.org.

An Orthodox Look: Hitch

When it comes to matters of the heart, are we all just playing games? According to Will Smith's character in the recently released movie, Hitch, the answer to that question is a resounding yes. Hitch, a man who makes his living as a consultant in the game of love, enjoys a successful career in which he helps his male clients attract the woman of their dreams. He assists these men in their quest for love by arming them with the knowledge of the inner workings of the female mind. He knows what women are looking for in a partner, and he counsels his clients so they can, pardon the pun, get "hitched" to their ideal partner. Hitch, however, is not a married man. Though he has made a career as a "Doctor of Love," this self-proclaimed bachelor was happy with his single life. He was happy, that is, until he realized that love and life are not always planned, nor are they games with predictable outcomes. He learned this lesson without the help of any consultant, and realized he was only just beginning to know the meaning of true happiness.

On the Upside:

• This is a movie where love conquers all. By the end of the movie, the eyes of the four central characters are all opened to the glory of love.
• It's a lighthearted, fun movie. There is no violence and nobody meets a tragic end. It's good fun.
• It is a very funny movie. Kevin James plays an excellent role, and Will Smith shines as Hitch.

On the Downside:

• The opening sequence gives the impression that the culmination of falling in love is sleeping with someone. Were the people in question married? Certainly not. It was, after all, only their third date.

Will this movie change your life? No. Will it teach you lessons about attracting a partner for marriage? Perhaps - "listen to her when she is speaking" - is valuable advice when you are in the dating world. Will it entertain you? Based on the movie goer's experience, and the laughing audience of a crowded theater, absolutely.

Real Questions/Real Answers:

Question:

As Christians, are we taught to follow our own self-interests or to follow first the interests of society, and live according to what it dictates is best for us? Which is more important - our own sense of good, or the good of society?

Answer:

Society and the community at large have always been of utmost importance to the church. The church itself is a body of members, a congregation of believers with a shared faith. As such, it should not be our own self-interests that motivate us to better ourselves, but the interests of our community. If this line of thinking is followed, it then stands to reason that if the interests of society at large are served properly, we will all benefit and reap rewards that could not have been achieved had we sought after our own self-interests.

However, there are many that would say that though this may be a good idea in theory, there are many problems with putting it into practice - that human nature will always interfere and, despite our best interests, the urge to seek our own will may overcome us and leave us feeling resentful and unsatisfied, instead of fulfilled. Still, as Christians, we are instructed to serve God, not ourselves. In doing so as a child of God, we have an obligation to be diligent in our caring for others and to consider first the impact our actions will have on those around us. In our own families, we would not sacrifice the well-being of our mothers and fathers so that we can achieve our personal goals. The same should follow in other facets of our lives, as we are all brothers and sisters in Christ.

Still, the answer is not as simple as to say, "society should always come first." Generally, yes, but if society is going down a path that is against God, it's not the path to follow. The clichéd question of "if everyone jumped off a bridge, would you?" comes to mind. If it is clear that what is meant by the "good of society" is really "the majority rule of society" and if that rule is opposed to God's teachings, our priorities should still be such that God is first. In putting God first, it is quite possible that society's wishes may not be our goal. We should always be concerned with the community's interests, but in doing so must realize that "what is right" should mean what is right in God's eyes, and not what is right in the mind of public opinion.

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Readers Write:

Here is your chance! We know you have great stories to tell, and honest opinions to share. We know amazing things have happened to you and you were just wondering, "Now, HOW can I share this with others?" Well, the section IS entitled "Readers Write," so what better venue than right here?

You're a reader, so…. You know the next step. Send us something you've written and would like to see in a future issue of YO-Mail. Commentary on YO-Mail is welcome, as is anything that is pertinent to our lives as Christians. Send it in to yomail@oca.org and we will put it here.

Did You Know? The Orthodox Church prepares for Pascha, the Resurrection of Our Lord, with 5 weeks of pre-Lenten preparation, followed by 5 weeks of Great Lent, and then Lazarus Saturday, Palm Sunday and Holy Week. That's 11 weeks!