How did the father of the prodigal son feel inside?

[asquared]

contemplative:

I need to know nothing more than how the father in this story felt at this point. What do you think the father of the prodigal son felt inside?

Jeff Cavins gives a beautiful exposition of this story, in the context of his own faith journey, which in part involved rebellion against his own father in matters of faith. According to Jeff, when the younger son asked for his share of the inheritance, in order to liquidate assets to give the money to the son, the father had to be in fact declared legally dead, to “abdicate” as head of the family (likely in favor of the older son). So in fact the son was telling his father, “Drop dead, dad!” From that we can certainly imagine the feelings of the father, who was in effect willing to die to everything important in his life in order to give everthing to his sons. Note that the older son, by this act, also came into his inheritance at the same time, probably assuming de facto headship of the family, control of the farm or family business etc. Which also puts into perspective his reaction when his brother returns.

 

[TOME]

I am sure that like many of us here I grew up with the emphasis of this parable of Christ being on the son, but in the last dozen years or so, the focus has turned to the Father because for many, my self included, what Jesus was relating in this story is a revelation of God the Father.

So my response to the question was that the Father was feeling perfect Love, which is why many of us have trouble understanding the Father’s response to both sons. For too many of us have not really experienced being given unconditional love, especially as we get older in this life, which makes this parable difficult to comprehend in its fullest depth.

 

[Breton]

contemplative:

So there is no comfort for the in-between time? There is comfort for the father only after the repentance of the son? This sounds so bleak…the in-between time.

Thank you for this wonderful thread.

As a parent I have come to appreciate the following passage:

“…knowing that affliction produces endurance, and endurance, proven character, and proven character, hope, and hope does not disappoint…” Romans 5:3-5

As a parent, one must endure; one must have hope. The in-between times must be filled with hope otherwise they would be bleak indeed.

I imagine the father was not surprised by his son’s actions; their relationship had probably already produced much “affliction” for the father. But even at the point of his son’s departure, he continued to endure the heartbreak; he continued to love his son by sending him on his own path of affliction. Certainly the father was heartbroken but he must have had hope too.

I think the actions of the father also communicate humility.

“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for your selves.
For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.” Matthew 11:28-30

I wonder if, at their parting, the father already knew that he would take his son back.

Thanks again for this thread.