The Prodigal Son

[Pat Mustard]

First off, Thank you to everyone who has responded so far!

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Several thoughts

- The father's reaction is understandable and justified. His one son was obviously not fit to lead the business, and while he squandered a lot of money, it was, effectively, invested in his becoming a better, responsible person through life experience, which can arguably be more important than the money lost and pay off manifold in the future

- What a sucky job where you have to tend to the swine, but don't even get food in return? That's just ridiculous. I'm sure he could have gotten a better one *somewhere*. [1]

- It is really difficult to raise several children with very different characters and keep everything fair and balanced, and envy at bay. Ideally, the brother who stayed home loves his brother so much that he, too, will be in a mood to celebrate once done with the butt-hurt. Also, it's not like he doesn't get a nice piece of the fattened calf once he joins the partey. [2]

I give the story a 7/10. Today it seems a bit trite, but I guess back in the day it was a innovative idea not to kill everyone over the dispute. [3]

Something tells me that you might be a parent! =)

1) Agreed. This is certainly a turning point. The job he found sucks pretty bad, and the way that "master" treats his employees doesn't even match the dignity of a hired worker, much less a human being. This reminds the son of how well his father treated his employees: "If I can't be his son anymore, maybe I could at least work for my dad as anyone else does." The better-job-*somewhere*, the son concludes, is his dad's place.

2) Exactly. 

3) HA!

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I think it highlights the fact that the father took his loyal son for granted ....

Discussing it first with the son that had stayed behind would of been the nice thing to do. Had he done so that son would have felt special and would have probably suggested the fattened cow himself, however the father took for granted what he had.

Dog.

You might be right there. What do you think about the father telling the loyal son, "My son, you are here with me always; everything I have is yours."? Too little too late or an affirmation that the father shares more than just a fattened calf with him?

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Next time the title of the story alone should suffice.
The majority of us here probably know the bible better than you do. :-)

Now here is a strange response to the story! =) Any thoughts about the story you already knew?

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I guess the lesson is about forgiveness and acceptance. Just because the younger brother spent his money unwisely when he tried to make a life of his own, doesn't mean you should disown him if he comes back.

...It's something life has to teach you. But when you stumble and fall, it's nice to have family to life you back up. And hopefully the kid will be able to try again, and do better next time.

Thanks, Chad!

I note you left out my reading. Is that because it struck too close to the bone?