Welcome to New Covenant Church!

We are so glad you have joined us to celebrate the Risen Lord! This week, we will hear a lesson from Fr. Nathan Bryant called "Mercy That Runs." Here are the scriptures for this week:

Scriptures
Amos 8:1-12
Psalm 15
Luke 15:1-3, 11-32

We look forward to seeing you online with us!

Hear the sermon now, "Mercy That Runs" - Fr. Nathan Bryant

Summary

Fr. Nathan explores the Parable of the Prodigal Son from the Gospel of Luke, focusing on the themes of mercy, repentance, and the nature of God's love. He emphasizes the father's merciful character and the spiritual lessons drawn from the story, encouraging listeners to reflect on their own relationship with God.

Introduction to the Parable

Fr. Nathan begins by situating the parable as one of the most beloved in scripture, telling the story of a father and his two sons. He notes that while the story is familiar, hearing it with fresh ears reveals the profound nature of God's mercy, which "runs to meet us right where we are" even when we are distant in sin.

The Request of the Younger Son and Its Meaning

The younger son’s request for his share of the estate is analyzed in depth. It is explained that this request was akin to wishing the father dead, as the son desired the father's essence or life, but without the father's presence or relationship. The Greek word used here reflects a desire for the father's very essence, highlighting a distorted understanding of what the son truly wanted. The son sought the effects of the father's essence—his possessions—rather than unity with him.

Fr. Nathan connects this to humanity's original vocation to participate in the divine nature, as humans were created for communion with God, not mere possession of His gifts. The son's desire apart from the relationship leads to fragmentation and alienation, reflecting societal issues like loneliness and depression.

The Consequences of Sin and Alienation

The younger son's journey to a distant country symbolizes alienation from the source of life. His disordered desires cause him to lose dignity and identity. He ends up feeding pigs and longing for their food, representing the emptiness sin brings despite its promises of fulfillment.

A severe famine in the land further drives him to desperation, illustrating how external hardships can lead one back to God. The son's coming to his senses marks the turning point where he decides to return home, and the father’s compassion is immediate and overwhelming—he runs to meet the son while he is still far away, a culturally significant act of humility and love.

The Father's Mercy and Restoration

The father’s mercy is described as active and swift, embracing the repentant son without waiting for him to earn it. The gifts of the best robe, a ring, sandals, and the feast with the fattened calf symbolize full restoration and celebration, not just forgiveness. The father’s love is unconditional and abundant, surpassing what the son had before.

The Older Son’s Resentment

The sermon also examines the older son, who remains physically close to the father but is estranged in spirit due to resentment and a purely economic view of his relationship. He refuses to join the celebration, highlighting that sin and alienation can manifest in rebellion and loveless obedience. The father pleads with the older son to leave resentment behind and join the party, emphasizing that grace must be received as a gift, not earned.

Open Ending and Invitation

The parable ends unresolved, leaving the older son’s choice open, inviting listeners to reflect on their response to God's mercy. The father reminds the older son that all he has is already his, symbolizing the ongoing availability of God's life and grace to those who accept it.

Conclusion: Mercy That Runs

Fr. Nathan closes with a powerful image of God’s mercy as a running, active force that meets people in their brokenness and calls them home. It encourages self-reflection on one’s return to the father and affirms that God welcomes all with open arms as sons and daughters, not servants or outsiders.

He highlights the transformative power of mercy, the importance of relationship over possession, and the inclusive nature of God's love as depicted in the Parable of the Prodigal Son.