Editorial March 10, 1951 Issue

THE LESSON OF THE PRODIGAL'S BROTHER

Richard J. Davis

The story of the prodigal son has often been referred to as the "pearl of parables," probably because of the striking spiritual lessons it conveys. As one studies what Jesus was endeavoring to impress upon his hearers, there are two points that in the light of Christian Science command special consideration.

One is the revelation or evidence that the prodigal's brother, while conforming perhaps to the ordinary standards of human goodness and morals, was nevertheless in need of redemption from one of the most evil and insidious sins of mortal mind. Even though he had, no doubt, enjoyed over some years the love and bounty of his father, self-righteousness, self-justification, and self-aggrandizement appeared, to deny and withhold from his younger brother the love and beneficence which the latter's repentance and change in thought and living might legitimately bring him.

To a Christian Scientist, the father's reply to the elder son's envious complaint brings out another and a most spiritually scientific concept, for, as the Bible relates, the father with great love said (Luke 15:31), "Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine." Here, in that simply stated verse, the Master gives us the spiritual teaching which, if understood and put into practice, would reveal and demonstrate the kingdom of heaven within the consciousness of us all and forever wipe out the rancorous belief of envy, as well as the hate which often follows in its train. In James we read (3:16, 17): "Where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy."

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