Kaybolan oğul benzetmesi (Lost son parable)

People consecrate scholarly careers to single works of literature. As Ray Bradbury pointed out, the classics have pores. Texture. Depth. You can revisit them time after time, and walk away with fresh insights, fresh perspectives. I'm reading The Tale of Two Cities to Beth and Laura, and noting again the masterful use of foreshadowing Dickens used to pull the story along. Some things you just don't notice the first or second time through.

How much more is this the case with the ultimate work of literature. You can read a familiar story dozens, or hundreds, of times, and still encounter surprises. Especially if you struggle through it in a new, and unfamiliar, language.

We call it "the parable of the prodigal (wasteful) son." My İncil gives it the title of today's post -- the parable of the lost son. Speaking as a first-born son, I'd suggest The parable of the spiteful big brother.

İsa addressed this parable, after all, to the Pharisees who objected to the company he kept. Yes, it tells us of the love of a Father who rejoices when lost children are found. However, it also provides keen insights into the psychology of those who object to redemption.

Today's key phrase: "Bak, bunca yıl senin için köle gibi çalıştım ... "

"Now look, how many years did I work for you like a slave ... "

Do we begin to see where an attitude adjustment is called for? How does a slave work? He focuses on his own job, does what he is told to do, and is indifferent to the big picture. Think "union mentality." Surly to bed, surly to rise. The slave wants to do as little as possible, then knock off for the day.

A son, however, is supposed to see the big picture. He is growing into partnership with a gracious Father who says, "Son, you are ever with me, and all that I have is yours." A son views the Father's realm as his own to care for, cultivate, and protect. Yes, "this is my Father's world." On the other hand, "God so loved the world ..." that He redeems us to care for it.

Well, on to today's reading. It's time to revisit one of our Lord's most enigmatic parables, the Kurnaz kâhya, the crooked manager.