Read Luke 15 this morning with notes by Bishop Robert Barron. Lots of resonance between Out of the Silent Planet and The Parable of The Prodigal & His Brother. Was struck by these words from Bishop Robert. "The younger son wandering in a distant land is evocative of the human race - all the descendants of Adam and Eve - who have lost contact with the flow of the divine life. Living in the land of hiring, taking, paying and possessing, they starve spiritually. They are like the sad guests at the wedding feast of Cana who have run out of wine; they are like Israel in the land of exile, pining for Zion; or they are like the Psalmist's deer yearning for flowing streams. How appropriate, by the way is that last image. The divine life flows because it is a process of giving and receiving; sin is substantive and fixed, "hard" currency. The only solution is to return to a graced mode of being." (Word on Fire Bible Volume 1 page 395-396).
Thanks Jessica & Kelsie. It’s been a while since I wrote an essay or a sermon. But I’ll continue to read the book using Luke 15 as one on the lenses for viewing. Let’s see what happens.
Great analysis! And your anti-man theme is nicely observed! Hang on to that one as you keep reading. Your writing on seeing / perspective shifting is great too. Those are my favorite themes of this novel. Keep it up and can’t wait to read your next post on OSP.
"It’s been observed, that those who are loudest about “the sake of humanity” are often the least likely to do something for the human next to them." - Can't help but think of Right Reverend Mariann Edgar Budde's sermon in the post-inauguration service of prayer. This book is speaking right into our world today.
Read Luke 15 this morning with notes by Bishop Robert Barron. Lots of resonance between Out of the Silent Planet and The Parable of The Prodigal & His Brother. Was struck by these words from Bishop Robert. "The younger son wandering in a distant land is evocative of the human race - all the descendants of Adam and Eve - who have lost contact with the flow of the divine life. Living in the land of hiring, taking, paying and possessing, they starve spiritually. They are like the sad guests at the wedding feast of Cana who have run out of wine; they are like Israel in the land of exile, pining for Zion; or they are like the Psalmist's deer yearning for flowing streams. How appropriate, by the way is that last image. The divine life flows because it is a process of giving and receiving; sin is substantive and fixed, "hard" currency. The only solution is to return to a graced mode of being." (Word on Fire Bible Volume 1 page 395-396).
Echoing Jess' thoughts! If you have an essay in you, let us know! Would love to share it!
This is beautiful. Would love to see these thoughts drawn out in an essay.
Thanks Jessica & Kelsie. It’s been a while since I wrote an essay or a sermon. But I’ll continue to read the book using Luke 15 as one on the lenses for viewing. Let’s see what happens.
I hope the creative juices start flowing. I love essays connecting literature (especially to the Bible!)!
Great analysis! And your anti-man theme is nicely observed! Hang on to that one as you keep reading. Your writing on seeing / perspective shifting is great too. Those are my favorite themes of this novel. Keep it up and can’t wait to read your next post on OSP.
"It’s been observed, that those who are loudest about “the sake of humanity” are often the least likely to do something for the human next to them." - Can't help but think of Right Reverend Mariann Edgar Budde's sermon in the post-inauguration service of prayer. This book is speaking right into our world today.