I would like to take some time on the parable of the prodigal son from the gospel of Luke in the Bible. When I read this now, it is like there is a story under the story. Reading the parables today, I realize the process of their awakening took many years.
When I was younger, I somehow did not see this. I think the ego prevented me from realizing this truth. Why, you ask? Because I wanted to be miraculously healed of everything and—poof—be the enlightened one. That is pure magic. I would say to friends “I wish God would be clearer on what was wanted of me, that He would command me. Then I would know what to do.” Now, that was a great feed from the ego, and I ate it hook, line, and sinker.
God never commands. I know this because I have heard His/Her voice. I was working on a retreat when my kids were young. One evening, my husband could not watch the kids while I was at a meeting, so my mother came over to care for them. At the meeting, everyone came around me and started laying their hands on me and prayed. While they were praying, I heard a voice say “I need your help.” I looked all around me, and no one was talking.
When I got home, my mother was upset with me because she felt I was not doing my duties as mother and wife, that I had to let this God stuff go. I started thinking while she was saying this, maybe I should just give up the retreat, maybe I should go the easy way. As I was thinking this and as my mom was scolding me, I heard the Voice again say the same words, “I need your help.” At that moment, I knew there was no going back. The voice did not command; it was gentle and loving. Even with this experience, for years I wanted God to command—silly, silly me.
As the prodigal son and the story of the pearl is a long journey, so is all of ours. Atonement or at-one-ment takes life times. I believe we get to do this journey on earth as many times as we need in order to understand the atonement. Even if you believe in just one life, it is a long journey. It’s not to be rushed, but every step to get there should be embraced. Suck the marrow out.
I now know I am the heroine of my story. My story will go on until I accept the Truth and live it. Meaning is through living the Truth, not preaching that others follow. There are many wonderful examples of this: Mother Teresa, St Francis, Gandhi, Buddha, and Martin Luther King are some to name a few.
Enjoy every moment of your life. That is done without judgment. See all as an experience. Live, Laugh and, above all, Love.
Theresa Contaxis 