THE BIBLE IN MY LIFE July 4, 2005 Issue

THE PRODIGAL FINDS GRACE

RYDER STEVENS

Ever since I was a teenager in Sunday School, I have always enjoyed reading and discussing Jesus' parable of the prodigal son (see Luke 15:11–32).

Each time, I quickly get wrapped up in this story about a man with two sons, the younger of whom wants his inheritance right now so that he can live it up. Amazingly, the father gives the son his share of the estate, and the young man goes off to the big city. There, he spends his inheritance foolishly. Soon he is truly down and out, but through humility born of self-inflicted hardship, he comes to his senses, returns to his father, and is welcomed home.

This extraordinary story was vividly and refreshingly brought to life for me last October by a ballet titled "The Prodigal," choreographed by Balanchine. It was presented by the Pacific Northwest Ballet Company of Seattle.