Article September 3, 1949 Issue

"ALL THAT I HAVE IS THINE"

WILLIAM R. FRYE

In the fifteenth chapter of Luke's Gospel is Christ Jesus' familiar and well-loved parable of the prodigal son, who wasted his substance in the vain search for selfish happiness. Then when he had suffered sufficiently from the "mighty famine" which had arisen, "he came to himself" and humbly returned to his father, who lovingly received and forgave him.

So every prodigal whose energy has been spent in seeking pleasure and satisfaction from matter must rise to acknowledge a higher source of satisfaction and well-being. Realizing anew through spiritual understanding the blessings awaiting him in his heavenly Father's household, the repentant prodigal is welcomed by Love and assured of his continuing sonship, man's forever status as the image and likeness of God.

The conclusion of the parable is especially arresting. The self-righteous elder son, who had remained constantly in the household, was tempted to be envious of his younger brother's welcome. This first-born son, the father rebuked with a declaration which, in the light of Christian Science, serves as a magnificent benediction on every individual in every age who becomes conscious of man's spiritual sonship with divine Life, Truth, and Love, man's Father-Mother. It reads, "Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine."

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