In that strangely beautiful story of the father and two sons narrated in the fifteenth chapter of Luke's gospel and commonly referred to as the parable of the prodigal son, interest centers almost exclusively about the profligate, the dutiful son all but escaping attention. This is not surprising, for the evenness of the ways of the obedient son presents few striking incidents for portrayal, while the life of the prodigal embodies those sharp experiences with which human existence abounds and which lend themselves so spontaneously to the thought or pen of him who would "point a moral, or adorn a tale."
So vividly and truly does the narrative delineate human experience that all down the centuries it has compelled the attention of sages and moralists. Over and over again it has supplied the inspiration and formed the basis of sermon and dissertation, of spoken and written discourse, of the highest literature and the loftiest teaching. In one form or another this parable has been told and retold times without number, even to this day, without losing any of its charm or attraction, or its power of instruction.
Stated briefly, the lesson to be learned from the life of the prodigal is obviously this: Departure from the Father and living for self and in sensuality lead to unhappiness, distress, and despair. Then follows the awakening from what Mrs. Eddy calls "the perilous beliefs in life, substance, and intelligence separated from God" (Science and Health, p. 450). Finally comes the return to the Father, with the realization of the truth of our Master's words: "This is life eternal, that they mightknow thee the only true God."
