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. Christopher Caudle called "This Son of Yours."  Here are the scriptures for this week:

Joshua 5:9-12
2 Corinthians 5:16-21
Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32
Psalm 32

We look forward to seeing you online with us!

Hear the sermon now - "This Son of Yours" - Fr. Christopher Caudle

Overview of the Sermon

The sermon by Fr. Christopher revolves around the parable of the Prodigal Son, emphasizing themes of forgiveness, compassion, and the unconditional love of the Father. The narrative begins with a call for parent-child volunteers to illustrate a point about running towards loved ones, which sets the stage for the more profound message of the following gospel lesson.

The Table with Jesus

Fr. Christopher invites the congregation to imagine being at a table with Jesus, drawing parallels to the context of the parable in Luke 15, where Jesus shares meals with sinners and tax collectors. The Pharisees criticize him for this, but through his stories, Jesus defends the right of the marginalized to be at the table, likening them to lost sheep and coins that are joyfully found and celebrated. Jesus emphasizes great rejoicing in heaven when one sinner repents, reinforcing the message of inclusion and acceptance.

The Prodigal Son's Journey

The parable introduces a father with two sons, focusing on the younger son who demands his inheritance and squanders it in reckless living. The father divides his life and wealth, representing God, signifying the deep connection to familial and divine promises. The son's actions lead him to desperation, where he realizes that even his father's servants have more than enough to eat. This moment of self-awareness marks the beginning of his journey back home.

 The Father's Compassion

Upon the son's return, the father, filled with compassion, embraces him, disregarding societal norms that would dictate a more reserved response. This act symbolizes God's overwhelming grace and love that welcomes back the sinner without conditions. The father's immediate response is to celebrate the son's return, highlighting the relationship's theme of forgiveness and restoration. The father does not wait for the son to justify his actions but instead showers him with love and gifts, signifying acceptance.

The Elder Brother's Reaction

The elder brother, who has remained faithful and obedient, feels anger and resentment towards the father's treatment of the younger son. His reaction illustrates the struggle of those who adhere strictly to rules and expectations, feeling overlooked when grace is extended to others. The father's response to the elder son emphasizes that the love and blessings of the father are available to all, and he urges the elder son to rejoice in his brother's return. This part of the parable challenges the audience to reflect on their own attitudes towards grace and forgiveness.

Conclusion: The Heart of God

Fr. Christopher concludes by reiterating the core message of the parable: the heart of the Father is one of compassion, always ready to embrace the lost. The sermon invites the congregation to envision themselves at the table with Jesus, where they are welcomed and loved, regardless of their past choices. The overarching theme is that repentance and grace are available to everyone, and the joy of reconciliation is a cause for celebration in the kingdom of God.

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