The Scriptural Deacon

2026 Sunday of the Prodigal Son   As the Great Fast, or Lent, approaches, the Church guides us in preparing for our encounter with the Living God at Pascha (Easter). Through the Scriptures and her Liturgy, the Church reveals what genuine desire, sincere repentance, and merciful love look like when put into practice. On this Sunday in the Eastern Church, we hear the well-known Gospel passage of the Prodigal Son—a story unique to the Gospel of Luke and carefully included in his “orderly account” (Luke 1:3) of the Good News of Jesus Christ.   In this parable, the boundless compassion and love of a father for his repentant son are made clear. The narrative reminds us that no matter how far we may stray from God, He is always ready to welcome us back with open arms and great rejoicing.   As we reflect on the Parable of the Prodigal Son, it becomes clear that Jesus is presenting a rich, five-act drama. This narrative is filled with compelling characters and significant events, ...

As I reflected upon this Sunday’s readings for the Divine Liturgy (Ephesians 5:9-19; Luke 12:13-21), Oscar Wilde’s great novel “The Picture of Dorian Gray” kept coming into my mind. There are many parallels that come through when we look at the two stories side by side. This morning I would like to pull out a few points for us to think about and pray through in the week ahead. In the novel, an artist name Basil paints this beautiful picture of a young, handsome, man named Dorian Gray. About the time that he finishes the painting a friend of the artist, Lord Henry, shows up and is intrigued not only by the painting but the beauty of Dorian himself. Lord Henry tells him that he needs to get everything out of life that he can get. Yes Dorian, Lord Henry says “Live life to its fullest, all for the self and nothing else.” He basically corrupts Dorian’s mind by convincing him that life is about his good looks and being completely self-indulgent at all times. Very simi...

I have always been intrigued by the Flood and its place in Salvation History. Because nothing really changes after the Flood. Noah and his family are the same when they come out as when they went in the Ark. This is displayed by the fall of Noah soon after they make their exit from the Ark. Yes, God does make a new covenant with him and the entire creation, but basically, we are where we started at in Genesis 6. There is just a lot fewer people and creatures around. Then again, what is at the heart of this story? Is it not two-fold? First, that it demonstrates that one day God himself will have to take our flesh upon himself to truly change man and the world. This change cannot be achieved from outside forces like the weather but must come from the inside out. It must come from the very hand of the God who made the world. Second, this story amplifies the problem of Evil that God will have to one day conquer. It demonstrates for us that sin and death have spread to all...