Here I am a middle aged near-athiest listening and nodding along to a sermon on youtube from a priest I think is a little over half my age. I wonder if I'd be more of a believer today if the preachers I was sat in front of as a kid were nearly as gentle and pleasant. Please keep em coming.
You can ALWAYS come back. Always. That’s what I’ve learned about my journey. God is always here waiting for us. As a priest told me recently, faith is a journey.
I've become a true aethist!! If god were in charge of anything today ..... We should not be around now !!!! Yes the whole christian doctrine is an age old sham !!!!
@@BreakingInTheHabit I find the whole concept of vicarious redemption ( scapegoating ) irrational , immoral , and ill placed in any discussion of morality. _"nothing in return"_ you say hmm🤔 Your God demands "belief" in the most absurd ideologies upon pain of eternal torture. You say that jesus loves me and I have freewill and yet. If I use my own freewill to come to the sensible rational conclusion that there has been insufficient evidence provided to justify belief in giants , talking donkeys, talking snakes, magic, spirits, and zombies. Then this loving jesus thinks i am deserving of eternal torture. If I use my own moral compass to decide that the slavery, infanticide genocide, incest, endorsed in the bible was IMMORAL. And fail to see the immorality in eating shellfish or wearing cloth of mixed fabric. Or even the gathering of sticks on a sabbath that was considered a crime worthy of death, I'm doomed. I am expected to ignore everything that SCREAMS injustice & everything I believe to be true to qualify for your gods so called love. If I use my own logic and intelligence to understand the processes involved in evolution, and the undeniable common decent of life. If I believe in science, in that which is observable & and demonstrably correct and requires nothing supernatural in its explanations. Then yet again your god says I'm a failure. I must be willing to just accept ON FAITH that a mud figurine can turn into a living breathing man. And that a rib can turn into a woman with NO evidence whatsoever. That the supernatural is somehow real, even though it's NEVER been shown to be the case, OR ELSE ! I must also according to your views, be able to differentiate between the countless other claimed gods and religions. Who all have competing ideologies, that also demand that I adhere to their demands OR ELSE with similar mud figures becoming men, demigods, magic animals and bizarre morality all based like christianity ON FAITH. Otherwise I face dire consequences. Well I say this, REGARDLESS of whether the god of the bible exists, my beliefs are entirely rational and justified and yours irrationall. If you and your god think that therfore I'm deserving of eternal torture, then F@ck him , and F@ck you too.
Many thanks. After 50 years of atheism I returned to my church (Anglo-Catholic) and first saw myself as the younger son, welcomed back, then as the lost sheep that Christ rescued from the far country, and now I see how I may also be the elder son. How true and profound the Gospel is.
This January, at 44, I went to confession after over 25 years of a break - during which I committed many different sins. So this resonates with me a lot.
Perfect video! We Christians “are in this world, but not OF this world”. Something that no one ever mentions is that this parable works only at the spiritual level, not at the practical, commonsensical level, where merit does have a very important value, as it should do! Outside of our spiritual life, in our day-to-day work life, the principle “the more you do your duty well, the less you deserve” doesn’t make sense. Otherwise, why work and do your duty at all? I’m saying this because there are many people out there, who, like me, left their nepotistic country (Italy, for me) looking for a work environment that values merit. And I found it, thank God (first in London, then in the US). There is no competition and merit when it comes to God’s love. But in our work life, there must be. If you don’t think so, then your only option is to support a communist regime. So, merit IS important and our practical day-to-day lives SHOULD be based on it. Thanks for another wonderful video.
That was totally awesome, Father. Your Christmas story about your parents cancelling your debt really moved me. Thank you. Many times I’m like the younger son and many times I’m the older son. I’m trying to change though and I’m glad that God is patient with me, waiting for me to come back to Him.
I thought I’d heard every interpretation of the story of the Prodigal Son. I’m so happy to see that I was mistaken. This was a truly beautiful and thought provoking perspective that had me sitting back in my chair and thinking, ‘Wow!’ I love how you made the story feel so relatable with the analogy about the debt foryour first car. Awesome work once again Br Casey!
I read a book called "The Cross and the Prodigal" that gives an ancient middle eastern perspective on this parable, one small but important detail is that the father "ran" when he saw his son. For an older, respected man to run in those days was considered humiliating... because his bare legs would be exposed as he would have to lift up his robe inorder to run properly...The book then relates this parable to the humiliating Passion of Christ and why it was necessary in order to save us from our rebellion both outward as the younger brother and inward as the "obedient" older brother . So in both cases, the Father had to pay a price, make a sacrifice in order for us to believe in His love, in his grace that is without limit and completely free.
Father Casey, At age 70 I’m still trying to get my head around the radical grace of our our creator. The story of the Prodigal Son says it all… radical Love of the Alpha and Omega. You are a shining example of the Franciscan community, and Yes a Catholic Priest. The Good News through this hopeful lens is still alive for all people. Peace and all good!
"May God give you, His peace."😭...beautiful. To you as well, Fr. Casey. Even though this was not for me (I've always been and still am the prodigal son), it's very moving.
This passage is one of my favorites. But, I never looked at it from this perspective. I only looked at it from the perspective of the father forgiving his son and welcoming him home regardless of his sin. Thank you Father Casey for opening my eyes to the "other side" of the story!
I feel that, listening to it at mass, I payed more attention to the younger son realizes the weight of his sin, and goes to ask for forgiveness. There are many things I missed in the readings, and I love these videos for diving deeper into that faith.
@@vic6695 You are so right! Another level I heard explained was in re the father. He was always watching the horizon for his son & ran out greet him while he was “far off”. He didn’t even let the son give his speech but immediately swept him up to embrace him. It was pointed out that this was not the behavior of a dignified patriarchal Jew, more the behavior of a mother. But this is how much God loves us. He doesn’t consider His dignity when welcoming His children home, but exuberantly greets them. I found that very comforting.
This parable has always rubbed me the wrong way- but now I fully see why. Thank you so much for your sermon, you have truly inspired me. God bless you always!
I love this because I have a severe mental illness and I am often stuck in sins that I couldn't choose to not do in the moment because of mania or some other mental illness related thing. It's so hard to live with, and it has effected my life so much that my only hope is what I have in God, and so I'm thankful for the scandal of grace. "I survived because the fire that was burning in me was greater than the fire out there. That fire was love. God's love. I understand why some people no longer believe in anything. Too much love of money and ownership, not enough love of God and giving. But it helps to know that in the end there is light in the darkness." -Joshua Graham, Fallout: New Vegas
Thank you Father Casey. You have no idea how much I needed this today. I have been dealing with a battle within my heart since a family member passed. Keep praying my Rosary and asking for my peace but it just made sense. The peace I couldn't let go was I was still upset with the person who passed. With their wrong doings, their sins their mistakes and misgivings towards me, never looking that it was causing me to fall deeper into sin myself. Thank you. Now, I can have the peace I need, confess my sins, forgive others and have Our Father for give me. I can not change the past, but I can Glory into the future.
I chuckled when you said there must be some goodness in me because I am watching a religious video, but the story of the car made me cry. Thanks so much for sharing. I realize I always go through Lent trying to do more pious acts, when I really just need to be open to God's grace.
Thank you for making this video. I may not be very religious, but I have been living the life of merit since I could form complex thoughts and I never knew how to view it other than life being harsh and having to overlook injustices acted upon me and my family. I also have a bit of an inferiority complex and this is no way to live, I constantly think that I am not worth the love or thought of others even if I know that I’m being irrational, and living by merit I don’t ever think I’m worth the time or money people are willing to spend on me, I undervalue myself regardless if I believe it or not. I finally now can understand, at 17, that people don’t see the world as “you caused it, it’s your responsibility” as I do but they look towards me to help their needs, to take a load off of them, even though I never ask the same, and maybe I should.
I'm not a priest, nor what you'd consider pious, but I seem to understand and empathize your question. I assume you're catholic but don't consider yourself religious. But it also seems you have been searching for meaning to life, (to simplify it). You're right that human nature is selfish, but that's the whole point of living : to struggle against our human nature by knowing God as much as we can. Watch as many of these videos as you can (I highly recommend this channel), read the Bible and talk to someone within the Church (not necessarily a priest), and most importantly, take prayer as a habit. Eventually it WILL all makes sense.
JRGT04 . Hi brother. I invite you to my channel, I post the word of God almost daily. Be healed from all these complexes . God loves you with all your flaws . Do not be. Afraid.
I’m a Lutheran Pastor and I have been prayerfully watching your videos for years now. There is so much that we agree on, there is so much that makes us truly brothers in the faith. I pray everyday that we can one day become one Holy church, without denominations, and focus on what we agree on rather than what divides us. Thank you for your ministry and your wisdom, May God continue to bless your mission.
Great video Fr. Casey. I have been following your social media for a while. Greetings from Yuma, AZ. This parable has always struck me personally especially when I fall from state of grace. I have seen myself in the shoes of both sons from time to time.
Hi Fr Casey, thanks for sharing the story of your car and your parents. I'm so glad that you've been shown such grace and mercy by your parents, which gives you a model for the even greater mercy and grace of God. I think so many people struggle with mercy and grace because they've never seen it in action. You are a great advocate for the grace of God in this and all your videos - thanks
Perhaps many people do not recognize the grace and mercy shown to them, from others and from God. For some, it seems natural that, as in this example, parents should finance a car. On the other hand, others (particularly among family and friends) seem to attach conditions and expectations to their "gifts" of "mercy".
Thank you Father, for this video. I have ALWAYS identified with the older son. I sympathised with him. Because I see the younger son and I thought to myself, "I know his temptation. I want to do that, too. But I DON'T. It's hard but I didn't!" So I white knuckle it - and cut off my relationships in order to earn merit. What I fool I am.
Watching and listening to this post, I was struck by both the substance of your message on one level and its connection to your most recent "Upon Friar Review" post with Father Patrick on "Mass Appeal" and how best to reach your congregation/your audience. You got me to listen - truly listen - to this UA-cam homily on exploring the underlying messages of the Prodigal Son parable, and you made it even more present for me by giving an example from your own life to make it resonate for me in today's world. (More than ever, I believe it should be called the "Prodigal Sons" parable, because both of them wasted - in different ways but with the same outcome - the generosity of their father. And all too often we today also do the same - in different ways but with the same outcome - by wasting the gift of grace we receive from God.)
Fr. Casey. I am converting to eastern orthodoxy and I love the sermon that you gave and how it explains the mercifulness of the Lord. I also like the way you communicate the message and are patient with the viewers
Great video Fr. Casey. Regarding your comment on contrition at 2:23, I like Dr. Ken Bailey's understanding of this part of the parable. The son in Luke 15:18-19 says 3 things: that he sinned against heaven and his father, that he is not worthy to be called his son, and that he should make him a servant. Dr. Bailey argues that up to this point, the son has yet to truly repent, and his only reason for going home is because he is starving and he knows his father's servants eat well; and thus the son's first two points are to soften his father up so he will grant his request and thus he can eat a reasonable amount again. However, when he approaches his hometown and his father sees him at a distance and begins to run to him, embrace him, and kiss him -- Dr. Bailey notes that a man of his stature would never be seen running in public -- only then does the son truly recognize his sin in the tearful face of his father. Thus in Lk. 15:21 he only says the first two points: that he has sinned and that he is no longer worthy to be called his son. The son finally is truly repentful and does not attempt to leverage these statements in order to be accepted as a servant; he merely confesses these truths to his father in contrition with no expectation of forgiveness. The father -- representing the Father -- behaves compassionately and uncharacteristically of a Judean patriarch, accepting his son with open arms immediately, but it is this act of mercy alone which leads the son to true contrition.
Very good explanation. In the book "called the cross and the Prodigal " the author makes the comparison that just as the father humiliated himself in running to embrace his lost son, so to the scandalous and humiliating act of mercy at Calvary was needed in order to fully reconcile God to man because it was only then that sinners would come to believe in God's amazing, unmerited grace and mercy and return to The Heavenly Father not as obedient servants seeking mere food and comfort , but as grateful sons and daughters seeking HIM
Thank you so much. Exactly what I needed to hear today. I've been under a weight of guilt for not doing all that I should. I'll keep trying, but hopefully not with the cloud of debt. God is GOOD.
It's also like that scene in Les Miserable when Jean steals from the old priest and gets caught, but instead of the priest blaming him and sending Jean back to prison, he defends him and gives him the 2 candle sticks. It was a transformative moment that started his spiritual awakening
Good Lord I am SDA, now considering pentecostal movement, been having trouble understanding so much about God; his existence and everything. And guess what your channel answers everything. Good Lord you explain it so well..I feel it deep. All my questions answered in this story; thanks so much. Stay blessed, may God keep you and enrich you with wisdom; you make me understand God as a millenial,...I totally like this approach
I never seen that parabole that way... I knew that the father rejoice because his son was dead but now was back but the eldest one being the sinner....eye openener! Thank you I feel again humble by the wisdom of the scriptures.
The oldest one really struck me as well..because he didn't love his Father either, he just obeyed in order to get his inheritance when he died. The older brother is a Representation of alot of religious people who don't love God, but just obey in order to look good to society, their family, their friends. I constantly have to examine my motivations for being a religious person. Do I do it for the ego boost? For validation from my parents? I think deep down these reasons are true at least some of the time..
@@Eserr7856 the oldest doing what is good only to get his reward! Like we do...heaven! But we forget the loving part, the part that must come from within !
A beautiful sermon, thank you for your explanation of the Prodigal Son. Brought tears to my eyes when you described the gift you got that Christmas morning, and it wouldn't surprise me if I wasn't the only one.
Henri Nouwen wrote a beautiful book about his meditations before Rembrandt’s painting of The Prodigal Son’s Return. He says we are each of the characters in the story at different times.
A good interpretation...I don't live in the States but this padre is very good ...unlike some US based Catholic pods who sound to me as if they are wired to the moon!
Wow.....this is such a beautiful explanation Father! As a youth, I wish, as the days go by, I will have much clarity, like how ur life turned out.....Pray for me Fr., God bless!
This is the simplest, clearest and well spoken sermon ( if that's the right word) I have heard in forever. You have been given a gift - the ability to explain things clearly. Never underestimate this.
MY God, I heard about the parable of the prodigal son since I was 6 at Sunday school and yet this is the very first time I understand it this way. Thanks a lot!!!
Most people I meet have no problem believing God exists. But they usually think that God either is unconcerned about us cause he is so much above us, or they believe in harsh judging and are scared of the eventually meeting of God after death. People believe in God's existence, but not in His grace.
Thank you Father, that was fabulous, and I think we are all in need of a. Stop and reassessing moment right now with so much stress going on, I feel so thankful for you and your vision
Even though this video is a year ago, I have to comment that "why did you have to talk about that parable?" The story had a deep mark on me... Whenever I hear that story, it made me remember that day, when I was trying to skip the mass by sleeping... I secretly left the Catholic church and became an agnostic that time but my girlfriend wanted to attend the mass.. And I had that strange dream, calling me that "the lost shall return again"... Scary dream indeed... But here I am now... And still that line left me a deep mark inside my mind....
Amen Father! You mentioned quite a few of my favorite Parables! I guess I can be like the older son…and even like the Pharisees!! Over the years, I have felt a sense of deep distress that has been due to feelings of an unjust Christian community. I will be honest in saying that this feeling has motivated me to withdraw from the church completely. This is something I am not proud of, but after listening to this video, I am confident that I can be like the younger son, return home, and get back on track! Thank you very much!!
My favourite story is the prodigal son! Thanks for this! It's definitely also very comforting for the younger son.And when we return to the arms of the Father, it's very hard not to become the oldest son.
Rev Fr Casey, I am touched by your sermon, you opened my eyes to understanding the true meaning of the parable of the Prodigal son. Well done, RevFr Casey. From PeterLee.
Thanks Father, this is unfortunately the situation I am facing right now! I would have never thought that this could happen but in fact it did! And it is so difficult not to feel resentment even though I know I shouldn't because I have been the younger son myself so many times! Listen to your talk is helping! I pray that God will help me to heal and undo the knots!
True, the boss paid the same wage for working 1 hour or a whole day..lol. I'd be mad too at work! It's a striking example of how God's grace doesn't work like human affairs.
I think it's great that the boss was generous and wanted to make sure everyone ate that day, but personally I would have paid the ones who were there all day first to hide my generosity better lest everyone decide to come to work last minute the next day.
Love this parable. I heard another sermon on this parable and the priest pointed out this: The first time in the bible we see God running and he is running to embrace a sinner.
When this reading came up in the Hallow app, it occurred to me that the younger son could've just as well represented Israel, and the many times they had strayed and then been brought back, to an extent, before Jesus came and died for our sins.
To me, it’s the opposite. The big brother is Israel, because God did say, “You pray with your lips, but your heart is far from me”. And the little brother is more the gentile nations.
Father...Thanks for another great video. I was away from the Church for longer than you are old. I was the epitome of the prodigal son. I always say the greatest gift my parents ever gave me was unconditional Love...would tell you more, more I have to call my Sisters and tell them that I love them, and that I am sorry
I was the younger daughter but the older son. My sister was the one who seemed to have my father's heart and his wallet. For a while I thought the older son was justified in his indignation. But thankfully I saw how sad his perspective was. And I was reunited with my sister.
That is so beautiful that you are reconciled with your sister. I think that must be what the father in the parable sees that the older son doesn't see: that the real treasure is the relationship, not the goat or the fatted calf or even the inheritance.
Large parts of the Old Testament are antiehtical even to the Church' values. Even teachings from the New Testament are left behind/ignored by the Church, some because they are obviously not ethical (for example verses about slavery: Ephesians 6:5-8, Colossians 3:22-24, Timothy 6:1-2, andTitus 2:9-10), and others because they don't suit the Church (For example: "And don’t address anyone here on earth as ‘Father,’ for only God in heaven is your Father (...)", Matthew 23:8-10; about not praying in public places or out loud in the temple (church) but in the privacy of your closed room, Matthew 6:5-8 ; "But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking", Matthew 6:7).
From Brazil... I feel the same... no matter your culture, we are human beings in our inner feelings. God bless you! By the way, I love the title "Breaking in the habit".
Dear Father, if you don't have an idea for a video in the future, could you do a video about the diferences about the Catholic and the Orthodox church, the history behind it and your opinion in that matter
Thank you for freely sharing with us your gift of instructing us in the true meaning of the word. This is tremendous. I believe I heard say that the oldest son’s relationship with the father was not a relationship of love- it was transactional.
🎯 Key Takeaways for quick navigation: 00:42 🌟 The most scandalous aspect of the Bible and faith is God's mercy, which can be difficult for people to understand. 02:04 😡 The parable of the prodigal son highlights the scandalous nature of God's mercy, as the father generously forgives and celebrates the wayward son. 05:47 🤔 The older son's resentment and focus on merit illustrate the failure to grasp the joy of grace and the idea that we can never truly earn God's love. 08:06 🎁 Grace, receiving what we don't deserve, is a profound concept that challenges the human desire for merit and highlights God's abundant giving. 11:21 ✝️ Living a life filled with God's grace is a central aspect of faith, embracing the idea that God gives without expecting anything in return.
Here I am a middle aged near-athiest listening and nodding along to a sermon on youtube from a priest I think is a little over half my age. I wonder if I'd be more of a believer today if the preachers I was sat in front of as a kid were nearly as gentle and pleasant. Please keep em coming.
Never too late.
You can ALWAYS come back. Always. That’s what I’ve learned about my journey. God is always here waiting for us. As a priest told me recently, faith is a journey.
He knocks on every door & if you open it, He will enter if invited & sup with you.😉
I've become a true aethist!!
If god were in charge of anything today .....
We should not be around now !!!!
Yes the whole christian doctrine is an age old sham !!!!
@@BreakingInTheHabit I find the whole concept of vicarious redemption ( scapegoating ) irrational , immoral , and ill placed in any discussion of morality. _"nothing in return"_ you say hmm🤔
Your God demands "belief" in the most absurd ideologies upon pain of eternal torture. You say that jesus loves me and I have freewill and yet.
If I use my own freewill to come to the sensible rational conclusion that there has been insufficient evidence provided to justify belief in giants , talking donkeys, talking snakes, magic, spirits, and zombies. Then this loving jesus thinks i am deserving of eternal torture.
If I use my own moral compass to decide that the slavery, infanticide genocide, incest, endorsed in the bible was IMMORAL. And fail to see the immorality in eating shellfish or wearing cloth of mixed fabric. Or even the gathering of sticks on a sabbath that was considered a crime worthy of death, I'm doomed.
I am expected to ignore everything that SCREAMS injustice & everything I believe to be true to qualify for your gods so called love. If I use my own logic and intelligence to understand the processes involved in evolution, and the undeniable common decent of life. If I believe in science, in that which is observable & and demonstrably correct and requires nothing supernatural in its explanations. Then yet again your god says I'm a failure.
I must be willing to just accept ON FAITH that a mud figurine can turn into a living breathing man. And that a rib can turn into a woman with NO evidence whatsoever. That the supernatural is somehow real, even though it's NEVER been shown to be the case, OR ELSE !
I must also according to your views, be able to differentiate between the countless other claimed gods and religions. Who all have competing ideologies, that also demand that I adhere to their demands OR ELSE with similar mud figures becoming men, demigods, magic animals and bizarre morality all based like christianity ON FAITH. Otherwise I face dire consequences.
Well I say this, REGARDLESS of whether the god of the bible exists, my beliefs are entirely rational and justified and yours irrationall. If you and your god think that therfore I'm deserving of eternal torture, then F@ck him , and F@ck you too.
"If you live your life based on merit, you will never understand the joy of grace." This hit me! Thank you for this, Fr. Casey!
Many thanks. After 50 years of atheism I returned to my church (Anglo-Catholic) and first saw myself as the younger son, welcomed back, then as the lost sheep that Christ rescued from the far country, and now I see how I may also be the elder son. How true and profound the Gospel is.
😁 glad to have you back, even if it’s not the Roman Catholic Church. Welcome back!
There's a sucker born every minute.
This January, at 44, I went to confession after over 25 years of a break - during which I committed many different sins. So this resonates with me a lot.
Welcome back to the Church
"Amazing grace, how sweet the sound.."
Welcome back! I too am a revert 3 years back. It’s a lot of time we lost but we have mercy
Welcome, home!!
Welcome back!! Keep it coming. I’m so proud of you ❤️
Perfect video! We Christians “are in this world, but not OF this world”.
Something that no one ever mentions is that this parable works only at the spiritual level, not at the practical, commonsensical level, where merit does have a very important value, as it should do!
Outside of our spiritual life, in our day-to-day work life, the principle “the more you do your duty well, the less you deserve” doesn’t make sense. Otherwise, why work and do your duty at all?
I’m saying this because there are many people out there, who, like me, left their nepotistic country (Italy, for me) looking for a work environment that values merit. And I found it, thank God (first in London, then in the US).
There is no competition and merit when it comes to God’s love. But in our work life, there must be. If you don’t think so, then your only option is to support a communist regime. So, merit IS important and our practical day-to-day lives SHOULD be based on it.
Thanks for another wonderful video.
That was totally awesome, Father. Your Christmas story about your parents cancelling your debt really moved me. Thank you. Many times I’m like the younger son and many times I’m the older son. I’m trying to change though and I’m glad that God is patient with me, waiting for me to come back to Him.
At 75 years old, this is the best explanation of this gospel that has always troubled me. Thank you, Father.
One of the points of the Bible having so many sinners in it is to show that everyone and anyone can be redeemed
I thought I’d heard every interpretation of the story of the Prodigal Son. I’m so happy to see that I was mistaken. This was a truly beautiful and thought provoking perspective that had me sitting back in my chair and thinking, ‘Wow!’ I love how you made the story feel so relatable with the analogy about the debt foryour first car. Awesome work once again Br Casey!
I read a book called "The Cross and the Prodigal" that gives an ancient middle eastern perspective on this parable, one small but important detail is that the father "ran" when he saw his son. For an older, respected man to run in those days was considered humiliating... because his bare legs would be exposed as he would have to lift up his robe inorder to run properly...The book then relates this parable to the humiliating Passion of Christ and why it was necessary in order to save us from our rebellion both outward as the younger brother and inward as the "obedient" older brother . So in both cases, the Father had to pay a price, make a sacrifice in order for us to believe in His love, in his grace that is without limit and completely free.
Father Casey, At age 70 I’m still trying to get my head around the radical grace of our our creator. The story of the Prodigal Son says it all… radical Love of the Alpha and Omega. You are a shining example of the Franciscan community, and Yes a Catholic Priest. The Good News through this hopeful lens is still alive for all people. Peace and all good!
Groovy man you're getting radical
"May God give you, His peace."😭...beautiful. To you as well, Fr. Casey. Even though this was not for me (I've always been and still am the prodigal son), it's very moving.
This passage is one of my favorites. But, I never looked at it from this perspective. I only looked at it from the perspective of the father forgiving his son and welcoming him home regardless of his sin. Thank you Father Casey for opening my eyes to the "other side" of the story!
I feel that, listening to it at mass, I payed more attention to the younger son realizes the weight of his sin, and goes to ask for forgiveness. There are many things I missed in the readings, and I love these videos for diving deeper into that faith.
@@luxnova8211 There are so many levels to this parable.
@@vic6695 You are so right! Another level I heard explained was in re the father. He was always watching the horizon for his son & ran out greet him while he was “far off”. He didn’t even let the son give his speech but immediately swept him up to embrace him. It was pointed out that this was not the behavior of a dignified patriarchal Jew, more the behavior of a mother. But this is how much God loves us. He doesn’t consider His dignity when welcoming His children home, but exuberantly greets them.
I found that very comforting.
@@TrixRN Yes, me too!
I definitely don't want what I deserve! Thank God for His Mercy!
This parable has always rubbed me the wrong way- but now I fully see why. Thank you so much for your sermon, you have truly inspired me. God bless you always!
I love this because I have a severe mental illness and I am often stuck in sins that I couldn't choose to not do in the moment because of mania or some other mental illness related thing. It's so hard to live with, and it has effected my life so much that my only hope is what I have in God, and so I'm thankful for the scandal of grace. "I survived because the fire that was burning in me was greater than the fire out there. That fire was love. God's love. I understand why some people no longer believe in anything. Too much love of money and ownership, not enough love of God and giving. But it helps to know that in the end there is light in the darkness." -Joshua Graham, Fallout: New Vegas
Stay strong 🙏 all will be well in due time. Keep the faith.
Thank you Father Casey. You have no idea how much I needed this today. I have been dealing with a battle within my heart since a family member passed. Keep praying my Rosary and asking for my peace but it just made sense. The peace I couldn't let go was I was still upset with the person who passed. With their wrong doings, their sins their mistakes and misgivings towards me, never looking that it was causing me to fall deeper into sin myself. Thank you. Now, I can have the peace I need, confess my sins, forgive others and have Our Father for give me. I can not change the past, but I can Glory into the future.
I chuckled when you said there must be some goodness in me because I am watching a religious video, but the story of the car made me cry. Thanks so much for sharing. I realize I always go through Lent trying to do more pious acts, when I really just need to be open to God's grace.
Thank you for making this video. I may not be very religious, but I have been living the life of merit since I could form complex thoughts and I never knew how to view it other than life being harsh and having to overlook injustices acted upon me and my family. I also have a bit of an inferiority complex and this is no way to live, I constantly think that I am not worth the love or thought of others even if I know that I’m being irrational, and living by merit I don’t ever think I’m worth the time or money people are willing to spend on me, I undervalue myself regardless if I believe it or not. I finally now can understand, at 17, that people don’t see the world as “you caused it, it’s your responsibility” as I do but they look towards me to help their needs, to take a load off of them, even though I never ask the same, and maybe I should.
I'm not a priest, nor what you'd consider pious, but I seem to understand and empathize your question. I assume you're catholic but don't consider yourself religious. But it also seems you have been searching for meaning to life, (to simplify it). You're right that human nature is selfish, but that's the whole point of living : to struggle against our human nature by knowing God as much as we can. Watch as many of these videos as you can (I highly recommend this channel), read the Bible and talk to someone within the Church (not necessarily a priest), and most importantly, take prayer as a habit. Eventually it WILL all makes sense.
JRGT04 . Hi brother. I invite you to my channel, I post the word of God almost daily. Be healed from all these complexes . God loves you with all your flaws . Do not be. Afraid.
I’m a Lutheran Pastor and I have been prayerfully watching your videos for years now. There is so much that we agree on, there is so much that makes us truly brothers in the faith. I pray everyday that we can one day become one Holy church, without denominations, and focus on what we agree on rather than what divides us. Thank you for your ministry and your wisdom, May God continue to bless your mission.
I had a great Lutheran lecturer when studying with the Jesuits some years back.
Amen!
Great video Fr. Casey. I have been following your social media for a while. Greetings from Yuma, AZ. This parable has always struck me personally especially when I fall from state of grace. I have seen myself in the shoes of both sons from time to time.
Aronras UA-cam channel disproves the bible
@@jabba6749 How so - not possible! 😶.
Hi Fr Casey, thanks for sharing the story of your car and your parents. I'm so glad that you've been shown such grace and mercy by your parents, which gives you a model for the even greater mercy and grace of God. I think so many people struggle with mercy and grace because they've never seen it in action. You are a great advocate for the grace of God in this and all your videos - thanks
Perhaps many people do not recognize the grace and mercy shown to them, from others and from God.
For some, it seems natural that, as in this example, parents should finance a car.
On the other hand, others (particularly among family and friends) seem to attach conditions and expectations to their "gifts" of "mercy".
Thank you Father, for this video. I have ALWAYS identified with the older son. I sympathised with him. Because I see the younger son and I thought to myself, "I know his temptation. I want to do that, too. But I DON'T. It's hard but I didn't!" So I white knuckle it - and cut off my relationships in order to earn merit. What I fool I am.
Watching and listening to this post, I was struck by both the substance of your message on one level and its connection to your most recent "Upon Friar Review" post with Father Patrick on "Mass Appeal" and how best to reach your congregation/your audience. You got me to listen - truly listen - to this UA-cam homily on exploring the underlying messages of the Prodigal Son parable, and you made it even more present for me by giving an example from your own life to make it resonate for me in today's world. (More than ever, I believe it should be called the "Prodigal Sons" parable, because both of them wasted - in different ways but with the same outcome - the generosity of their father. And all too often we today also do the same - in different ways but with the same outcome - by wasting the gift of grace we receive from God.)
Fr. Casey. I am converting to eastern orthodoxy and I love the sermon that you gave and how it explains the mercifulness of the Lord. I also like the way you communicate the message and are patient with the viewers
Great video Fr. Casey. Regarding your comment on contrition at 2:23, I like Dr. Ken Bailey's understanding of this part of the parable. The son in Luke 15:18-19 says 3 things: that he sinned against heaven and his father, that he is not worthy to be called his son, and that he should make him a servant. Dr. Bailey argues that up to this point, the son has yet to truly repent, and his only reason for going home is because he is starving and he knows his father's servants eat well; and thus the son's first two points are to soften his father up so he will grant his request and thus he can eat a reasonable amount again. However, when he approaches his hometown and his father sees him at a distance and begins to run to him, embrace him, and kiss him -- Dr. Bailey notes that a man of his stature would never be seen running in public -- only then does the son truly recognize his sin in the tearful face of his father. Thus in Lk. 15:21 he only says the first two points: that he has sinned and that he is no longer worthy to be called his son. The son finally is truly repentful and does not attempt to leverage these statements in order to be accepted as a servant; he merely confesses these truths to his father in contrition with no expectation of forgiveness. The father -- representing the Father -- behaves compassionately and uncharacteristically of a Judean patriarch, accepting his son with open arms immediately, but it is this act of mercy alone which leads the son to true contrition.
Very good explanation. In the book "called the cross and the Prodigal " the author makes the comparison that just as the father humiliated himself in running to embrace his lost son, so to the scandalous and humiliating act of mercy at Calvary was needed in order to fully reconcile God to man because it was only then that sinners would come to believe in God's amazing, unmerited grace and mercy and return to The Heavenly Father not as obedient servants seeking mere food and comfort , but as grateful sons and daughters seeking HIM
I'm really looking forward to your book, what you've done for me, Father - over the last few months, it's beyond description. ...
Thank you so much. Exactly what I needed to hear today. I've been under a weight of guilt for not doing all that I should. I'll keep trying, but hopefully not with the cloud of debt. God is GOOD.
It's also like that scene in Les Miserable when Jean steals from the old priest and gets caught, but instead of the priest blaming him and sending Jean back to prison, he defends him and gives him the 2 candle sticks. It was a transformative moment that started his spiritual awakening
That's one of the most moving of your videos. Thank you.
Great video again, Father!
Good Lord I am SDA, now considering pentecostal movement, been having trouble understanding so much about God; his existence and everything. And guess what your channel answers everything. Good Lord you explain it so well..I feel it deep. All my questions answered in this story; thanks so much. Stay blessed, may God keep you and enrich you with wisdom; you make me understand God as a millenial,...I totally like this approach
Im happy you discovered his channel
Bless you Fr Casey for your beautiful message,
I never seen that parabole that way... I knew that the father rejoice because his son was dead but now was back but the eldest one being the sinner....eye openener! Thank you I feel again humble by the wisdom of the scriptures.
The oldest one really struck me as well..because he didn't love his Father either, he just obeyed in order to get his inheritance when he died. The older brother is a Representation of alot of religious people who don't love God, but just obey in order to look good to society, their family, their friends. I constantly have to examine my motivations for being a religious person. Do I do it for the ego boost? For validation from my parents? I think deep down these reasons are true at least some of the time..
@@Eserr7856 the oldest doing what is good only to get his reward! Like we do...heaven! But we forget the loving part, the part that must come from within !
A beautiful sermon, thank you for your explanation of the Prodigal Son. Brought tears to my eyes when you described the gift you got that Christmas morning, and it wouldn't surprise me if I wasn't the only one.
Fr. Casey, thank you for this...I really needed to hear this today.
Henri Nouwen wrote a beautiful book about his meditations before Rembrandt’s painting of The Prodigal Son’s Return. He says we are each of the characters in the story at different times.
A good interpretation...I don't live in the States but this padre is very good ...unlike some US based Catholic pods who sound to me as if they are wired to the moon!
Wow.....this is such a beautiful explanation Father! As a youth, I wish, as the days go by, I will have much clarity, like how ur life turned out.....Pray for me Fr., God bless!
This is the simplest, clearest and well spoken sermon ( if that's the right word) I have heard in forever. You have been given a gift - the ability to explain things clearly. Never underestimate this.
One of the best explanations of this story in the Bible I've heard. Thank you. Opened my eyes.
I Thirst for Justice, but I Pray for Mercy.
😊👍Thank you Fr.Casey..
MY God, I heard about the parable of the prodigal son since I was 6 at Sunday school and yet this is the very first time I understand it this way. Thanks a lot!!!
Most people I meet have no problem believing God exists.
But they usually think that God either is unconcerned about us cause he is so much above us, or they believe in harsh judging and are scared of the eventually meeting of God after death.
People believe in God's existence, but not in His grace.
Definitely not me crying in my office on a Thursday afternoon after watching this video... Thank you for every video you create.
Thank you for this reminder, Father Casey! ❤️
Lovely sermon, and good reflection of where we really are. Thank you Fr
Whenever I feel down, I always stop by to your channel. You are so young and yet are so wise 🥺
Thank you so much, Fr. Casey 🤗
Thank you Father, that was fabulous, and I think we are all in need of a. Stop and reassessing moment right now with so much stress going on, I feel so thankful for you and your vision
Even though this video is a year ago, I have to comment that "why did you have to talk about that parable?"
The story had a deep mark on me... Whenever I hear that story, it made me remember that day, when I was trying to skip the mass by sleeping... I secretly left the Catholic church and became an agnostic that time but my girlfriend wanted to attend the mass..
And I had that strange dream, calling me that "the lost shall return again"...
Scary dream indeed... But here I am now... And still that line left me a deep mark inside my mind....
Amen Father! You mentioned quite a few of my favorite Parables! I guess I can be like the older son…and even like the Pharisees!! Over the years, I have felt a sense of deep distress that has been due to feelings of an unjust Christian community. I will be honest in saying that this feeling has motivated me to withdraw from the church completely. This is something I am not proud of, but after listening to this video, I am confident that I can be like the younger son, return home, and get back on track! Thank you very much!!
Great video. Thank you. Greetings from Slovakia :D
Thank you, father. I love this homily. You are very young but very smart.
Thanks for this, well explained and expressed. Blessings to all who hear this.
Honestly, I didn't expect to listen to the end but I did. Because I recognized what you were talking about. Feeling that Grace can be crushing.
God bless you, Father
I pray that somehow your message reaches the world
God’s grace and mercy is so amazing we simply *can’t* fully comprehend it. No sin is too great, no chasm too vast, to keep one from The Father :)
My favourite story is the prodigal son! Thanks for this! It's definitely also very comforting for the younger son.And when we return to the arms of the Father, it's very hard not to become the oldest son.
You're getting REALLY GOOD AT THIS! 🙃🍺
Please pray for the girl I've been dating and I, that God will show us the truth about our relationship, and His will for us.
Thank you Father i really needed this massage.💐🙏💐
This is my favorite video by you so far. Thank you.
Rev Fr Casey,
I am touched by your sermon, you opened my eyes to understanding the true meaning of the parable of the Prodigal son.
Well done, RevFr Casey.
From PeterLee.
Thanks Father, this is unfortunately the situation I am facing right now! I would have never thought that this could happen but in fact it did! And it is so difficult not to feel resentment even though I know I shouldn't because I have been the younger son myself so many times! Listen to your talk is helping! I pray that God will help me to heal and undo the knots!
Praying for your healing, all will be well soon. Keep faith 🙏
Ask Our Lady too. She is the undoer of knots. God bless🙏❤️
@@TrixRN Thanks a lot! I will!
You just put something into perspective I needed to understand in a relationship with a friend . Thank you father .
The other story I find scandalous is the parable of the workers in the vineyard
True, the boss paid the same wage for working 1 hour or a whole day..lol. I'd be mad too at work!
It's a striking example of how God's grace doesn't work like human affairs.
I think it's great that the boss was generous and wanted to make sure everyone ate that day, but personally I would have paid the ones who were there all day first to hide my generosity better lest everyone decide to come to work last minute the next day.
Love this parable. I heard another sermon on this parable and the priest pointed out this: The first time in the bible we see God running and he is running to embrace a sinner.
Fr. Casey thank you for your wonderful and meaningful messages. I hope and pray that we all get closer to God and understand his mercy.
Thank you Fr., I now see how much I'm indebted. Amen.
i needed this, like seriously.
Wonderful father Casey …. Now I understand the parable better and it’s a beautiful story.
Thankyou Father.I need to know it..May God change the way I think.Amen.
When this reading came up in the Hallow app, it occurred to me that the younger son could've just as well represented Israel, and the many times they had strayed and then been brought back, to an extent, before Jesus came and died for our sins.
To me, it’s the opposite. The big brother is Israel, because God did say, “You pray with your lips, but your heart is far from me”. And the little brother is more the gentile nations.
@@ntmn8444 And then it's all tied together with what Fr. Casey said about being the older son, that everyone sins (like Israel did).
Powerful message! Thank you for sharing this with us. My prayers are with you.
I just got my book! So excited to read it!
Thank you Fr. Casey for this beautiful reflection. I appreciate the humility you showed through this video. God bless you Fr. Casey.🙏🏻
Father...Thanks for another great video. I was away from the Church for longer than you are old. I was the epitome of the prodigal son. I always say the greatest gift my parents ever gave me was unconditional Love...would tell you more, more I have to call my Sisters and tell them that I love them, and that I am sorry
I was the younger daughter but the older son. My sister was the one who seemed to have my father's heart and his wallet. For a while I thought the older son was justified in his indignation. But thankfully I saw how sad his perspective was. And I was reunited with my sister.
That is so beautiful that you are reconciled with your sister. I think that must be what the father in the parable sees that the older son doesn't see: that the real treasure is the relationship, not the goat or the fatted calf or even the inheritance.
Pray for me for I am a sinner
What a beautiful story about your parents!
Your words are a blessing!🙏 Thank you!
beautiful video🥺❤️🙏🏼🙌🏼
Fr. Casey, aren't we all like the older brother AND the younger brother? We're called to be the father to others.
So uplifting! Thank you!
Large parts of the Old Testament are antiehtical even to the Church' values. Even teachings from the New Testament are left behind/ignored by the Church, some because they are obviously not ethical (for example verses about slavery: Ephesians 6:5-8, Colossians 3:22-24, Timothy 6:1-2, andTitus 2:9-10), and others because they don't suit the Church (For example: "And don’t address anyone here on earth as ‘Father,’ for only God in heaven is your Father (...)", Matthew 23:8-10; about not praying in public places or out loud in the temple (church) but in the privacy of your closed room, Matthew 6:5-8 ; "But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking", Matthew 6:7).
So, what do you call your father. "Hey, you"? These passages are taken out of context by Protestants.
@@isoldam I have no real father on earth. ;-) If you look at the context, it's pretty clear what it is saying, though.
Amazing message, well done
From Brazil... I feel the same... no matter your culture, we are human beings in our inner feelings. God bless you! By the way, I love the title "Breaking in the habit".
Dear Father, if you don't have an idea for a video in the future, could you do a video about the diferences about the Catholic and the Orthodox church, the history behind it and your opinion in that matter
I think that you´re absolutely right; God´s Mercy and comprehension are much beyond us!
Thank you for freely sharing with us your gift of instructing us in the true meaning of the word. This is tremendous. I believe I heard say that the oldest son’s relationship with the father was not a relationship of love- it was transactional.
Wonderful video, thank you.
Thank you so much father for this ❤️
What a beautiful message. The timing of this video was perfect for me
This is why I never pray that God grant me justice; rather mercy, grace, guidance, wisdom, etc.
Excellent point about the older son and all of us.
I look for points to disagree but you make it so hard. I am old and admire greatly Padre!
Father, will u explain how Jesus could die for the sins that I had not yet committed since I was not born 2000 years ago?
Thank you for sharing this wonderful message of Grace.
We do not earn salvation. It is by the grace of God.
thank you for great message.🙏
🎯 Key Takeaways for quick navigation:
00:42 🌟 The most scandalous aspect of the Bible and faith is God's mercy, which can be difficult for people to understand.
02:04 😡 The parable of the prodigal son highlights the scandalous nature of God's mercy, as the father generously forgives and celebrates the wayward son.
05:47 🤔 The older son's resentment and focus on merit illustrate the failure to grasp the joy of grace and the idea that we can never truly earn God's love.
08:06 🎁 Grace, receiving what we don't deserve, is a profound concept that challenges the human desire for merit and highlights God's abundant giving.
11:21 ✝️ Living a life filled with God's grace is a central aspect of faith, embracing the idea that God gives without expecting anything in return.
7:28 I would like to point out that I think that's why Jesus had that parable when they were asking why all those people died.
Rigtheousness is difficult...how often do I walk this pat!