Seized by Christ

They are experiencing Christianity as joy and hope, having thus become lovers of Christ.

Category: Flourishing and the Christian Life

How virtue, love, and transformation lead to true human flourishing.

  • How Do I Know If I’ve Truly Encountered God’s Love?

    Five signs of a real encounter with God

    Q: How Can I Know If I’ve Really Encountered God’s Love Personally?

    A:
     A real encounter with God’s love is both deeply personal and unmistakably transformative. It may not always come with fireworks or dramatic emotion—but it always leaves lasting marks on the heart and life. Here are five key signs that point to a genuine experience of God’s love, followed by four ways to discern if it’s truly from Him.

    Five Signs You’ve Encountered God’s Love

    1. Inner Peace and Assurance

    You experience a deep, unshakable sense of being loved and secure—even during trials. It’s not just surface-level calm or emotional joy, but the “peace of God that surpasses all understanding” (Philippians 4:7).

    2. Conviction of Sin—Tempered by Mercy

    You become aware of areas in your life that need change—but instead of crushing guilt, you sense God’s gentle invitation to grow. His love convicts without condemning.

    3. Desire for God and Goodness

    You feel drawn to prayer, Scripture, the Eucharist, and works of mercy—not because you “have to,” but because you want to. God becomes not a duty, but a delight.

    4. Transformation in Relationships

    You find yourself becoming more patient, forgiving, and sacrificial. Love overflows into how you treat others, and your priorities shift from self-interest to the good of those around you.

    5. Perseverance Even in Dryness

    Even when you don’t feel God’s presence, you continue in prayer, community, and the sacraments. You trust that His love remains, even when your emotions don’t.

    How Can I Be Sure This Is Really From God?

    Here are four time-tested ways to spiritually discern if your experience is a true encounter with God’s love.

    1. Test by Scripture

    Ask: Does this experience draw me deeper into Christ and His teachings? God’s love always aligns with the Gospel. “Every spirit that confesses Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God” (1 John 4:2–3).

    2. Examine the Fruits

    Jesus said, “You will know them by their fruits” (Matthew 7:16). Lasting spiritual fruit—joy, patience, kindness (Galatians 5:22–23)—is a strong sign of authentic divine encounter.

    3. Seek Spiritual Counsel

    Bring your experience to a trusted priest, spiritual director, or mature believer. Outside perspective often confirms what God is doing internally.

    4. Repeat and Reflect

    Journal your experiences of prayer, consolation, and even dryness. Over time, patterns will emerge. A genuine encounter isn’t fleeting—it leaves a spiritual imprint that shapes your life.

    A Brief Historical Insight on Discernment

    • The Desert Fathers (4th Century):
       They taught that God often follows moments of consolation with periods of dryness—not as punishment, but as a way to detach us from relying on feelings alone.
    • St. Ignatius of Loyola (16th Century):
       Through his Spiritual Exercises, Ignatius taught how to distinguish “consolation” (God’s loving presence) from “desolation” (spiritual discouragement), encouraging consistency in prayer through both.

    Reflection & Discussion Prompt

    “Think of a time you felt especially close to God. What lasting changes—big or small—did you notice afterward in your thoughts, actions, or relationships?”

    We invite you to share your experience in the comments below. Your story might help someone else recognize God’s love in their own life.

    Developed with assistance from ChatGPT

  • Why Does Christianity Feel Like It’s All About Rules?

    Why Does Christianity Feel Like It’s All About Rules?

    Rediscovering the Love at Its Core

    If Christianity Starts with Love, Why Does It Feel Like It’s All About Rules?

    You’ve probably heard it—or maybe thought it yourself: “If God is love, then why does being Christian feel like following a bunch of rules?”

    It’s a fair question. The Gospel begins with love—God’s love for us, poured out through Christ. But somehow, what many people experience instead is a system of dos and don’ts, loaded with guilt and fear.

    Why the disconnect?

    Let’s explore a few reasons why Christianity often feels rule-heavy—and how we can recover its heart.

    1. Rules Are Love’s Scaffolding

    Just like parents set up boundaries for their toddlers—don’t touch the stove, don’t run into traffic—God, through the Church, gives us moral guidelines not to restrict us, but to protect us.

    Rules aren’t the enemy of love. They’re how love gets a foothold in real life.

    When rightly understood, commandments and Church teachings are like guardrails on a winding road. They exist to help us flourish—not to limit joy, but to preserve it.

    2. We Learn the Law Before We Know the Love

    Most people start their spiritual life with a focus on behavior. It’s natural to want a checklist—especially when you’re unsure what’s right or wrong. “Just tell me what to do so I don’t mess up.”

    But the Christian life isn’t just about doing—it’s about being in relationship.

    Over time, what once felt like a burden can become a bridge. When the heart begins to grasp God’s love, obedience shifts from fear to freedom.

    3. Fear and Guilt Can Eclipse the Gospel

    Let’s be honest—fear is powerful. Fear of messing up. Fear of hell. Fear of not being good enough.

    Rules can offer the illusion of control: “If I do X, I’m safe.”

    But when guilt dominates a person’s experience of religion, the beauty of grace gets buried. Christianity becomes a tightrope walk instead of a relationship of trust.

    Love doesn’t ignore sin—it heals it. But when communities focus only on what not to do, they risk losing sight of what we’re invited into: life in abundance.

    4. History Hardened Some Lines

    Throughout history, the Church has had to respond to real threats—heresies, persecution, cultural confusion. In times of crisis, the tendency is to emphasize clarity and boundaries.

    But those necessary guardrails can become rigid over time, even after the original threat is gone. What started as protection can slowly replace affection.

    This isn’t new. Even in the early Church, the apostles had to strike a balance between truth and freedom (see Acts 15). It’s an age-old tension—and one we still navigate today.

    5. Recovering the Primacy of Love

    Rules without love become dry. But love without truth becomes hollow.

    The good news? Christianity was never meant to be about jumping through hoops. At its core is this breathtaking claim: “We love because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19).

    Every commandment makes sense only when framed as an invitation—not a burden to carry, but a path to joy. When we obey God not to earn His love, but because we’ve already received it, everything changes.

    A Quick Historical Glimpse

    • Old Testament – The law was part of the covenant: “You are My people; this is how we live in union.”
    • Jesus’ Teaching – He summarized all commandments into two: love God and love your neighbor (Matthew 22:37–40).
    • Early Church – Faced with cultural diversity and false teaching, rules were used to preserve unity—but sometimes drifted into legalism.
    • Reformers & Vatican II – The Reformers emphasized grace over works; Vatican II’s Lumen Gentium echoed Paul: “The greatest of these is love” (1 Corinthians 13:13).

    Final Thought & Discussion Prompt

    “Can you think of a commandment that once felt burdensome—but when seen as an invitation into God’s love, became a source of freedom and joy?”

    Let’s talk about it. Share your experience in the comments.

  • What Does It Mean to Truly Meet Jesus?

    Exploring the Transformative Journey from Knowing About Jesus to Experiencing a Personal Relationship with Him

    Understanding the Difference

    In today’s digital age, information about Jesus is readily accessible. Many are familiar with His teachings, miracles, and life events. However, there’s a profound difference between knowing about Jesus and truly meeting Him.

    Intellectual Knowledge vs. Personal Relationship

    • Intellectual Knowledge: Involves understanding facts about Jesus—His birth, teachings, and crucifixion. It’s akin to reading a biography.
    • Personal Relationship: Entails a heartfelt connection, where one experiences Jesus as a living presence in daily life. It’s like conversing with a close friend, sharing joys, fears, and aspirations.

    The Dynamics of a Personal Encounter

    Mutual Communication

    A genuine relationship with Jesus is interactive. Through prayer, we speak to Him; through Scripture and inner promptings, He speaks to us. This two-way communication fosters a deeper bond.

    Transformative Impact

    Meeting Jesus isn’t a passive experience. It reshapes our desires, priorities, and actions. Just as spending time with a compassionate friend can inspire kindness, encountering Jesus motivates us to embody His love and teachings.

    Tangible Presence

    For many, Jesus’ presence is felt tangibly—during worship, in the sacraments, or amidst life’s challenges. These moments affirm that He is not just a historical figure but an active participant in our lives.

    Historical Perspectives on Personal Encounters

    • Early Christians: Testified to the risen Christ appearing to them, emphasizing a direct and personal experience.
    • Desert Fathers (4th Century): Sought solitude to deepen their relationship with Christ, often referring to Him as their constant companion.
    • Medieval Mystics: Figures like St. Julian of Norwich described vivid visions of Christ, emphasizing personal devotion over mere doctrinal understanding.
    • Modern Movements: Emphasize that every believer can experience a personal relationship with Jesus, not just theologians or clergy.

    Reflect and Share

    Have you ever felt Jesus’ presence in a profound way? Perhaps during a quiet moment, in prayer, or amidst a challenging situation? Reflect on that experience and consider sharing it with others.

    With Editing Assistance from ChatGPT

  • Does Every Hero Become a Tyrant?

    How Power, Pride, and Self-Reliance Can Derail the Hero’s Journey

    Q: Can it be said that the success of a hero tends to lead to tyranny as he attempts to hang onto his success and fame? Or does success achieved “on one’s own” tend to make a person think they can do everything by themselves?

    A: Yes—and both are real dangers that appear again and again in the lives of leaders, heroes, and anyone who has fought hard to succeed.

    Let’s take a closer look at what happens after the victory—after the dragon is slain, the mountain is climbed, or the crown is won. The Hero’s Journey doesn’t end at success. In fact, the moment of triumph often presents the most spiritual danger.

    Q: How does success lead to tyranny?

    A: When a hero achieves greatness, he also gains power—and with it, the temptation to cling.

    • He may fear losing what he fought so hard to gain.
    • He may begin to control rather than serve, dictate rather than guide.
    • He may silence others who challenge his authority, even if they speak truth.
    • He may forget his original mission and become obsessed with preserving his status.

    This is how a good king becomes a tyrant—not overnight, but gradually, as fear replaces courage, and pride replaces humility.

    We’ve seen this in myths, history, and modern life. The very strengths that lead to success (vision, determination, discipline) can mutate into control, arrogance, and suppression if the hero refuses to let go.

    Q: What about the self-made hero?

    A: The hero who believes he achieved everything “on his own” faces a different temptation: isolation and pride.

    • He may reject help or guidance, believing he doesn’t need anyone.
    • He may treat weakness with contempt—including his own.
    • He may come to believe he is the master of his fate, forgetting the role of grace, community, or divine providence.

    This path leads to a kind of functional atheism—living as though God isn’t needed, as though man alone is enough. The self-made hero becomes an island, and in time, he finds himself alone, overburdened, and unable to carry the weight he once believed was his to bear.

    Q: Is there a better path for the hero?

    A: Yes—the true hero is the one who learns to let go of success and point beyond himself.

    After the victory, the hero is called to:

    • Give rather than grasp.
    • Mentor rather than dominate.
    • Serve rather than rule for his own sake.

    This is the model of the servant-king, not the tyrant. It’s the path of self-transcendence—not self-preservation.

    As Christ said: “Whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” (Matthew 16:25)

    The greatest heroes are not remembered for what they kept, but for what they gave away.

    Final Thought:

    The Hero’s Journey is not just about slaying dragons—it’s about learning what to do with the crown. Success is a test. Will the hero cling to glory, or become a servant for others? Will he live as if he’s god—or remember the God who gave him strength?

    The journey doesn’t end at the mountaintop. It ends when the hero kneels, gives thanks, and passes the torch.

  • Flourishing vs Lifestyle

    What’s the Difference Between a Christian Vision of Human Flourishing and Modern Lifestyle Culture?

    In today’s culture, we hear a lot about “lifestyle” choices—whether it’s clean eating, minimalist living, productivity hacks, or curated Instagram feeds. But from a Christian perspective, human flourishing means something much deeper. So how do these two ideas compare?

    Q: What does it mean to flourish as a Christian?

    In a Christian understanding, human flourishing means becoming fully alive in Christ. It’s more than just being happy or healthy. It includes moral and spiritual growth, meaningful work, authentic relationships, creative expression, and discovering your God-given purpose. It’s not just surviving—it’s thriving in body, mind, and soul.

    Christian flourishing is rooted in virtue, grace, and love. It’s about becoming the person God created you to be—someone who reflects His truth, goodness, and beauty in the world.

    Q: Why does the word “lifestyle” feel at odds with Christian flourishing?

    The term lifestyle often feels superficial or even consumeristic, especially when compared with the richness of the Christian vision for life. Here’s why the two can seem antagonistic:

    1. Lifestyle implies preference; Christian flourishing implies purpose.

    Most lifestyle trends are based on personal taste—your preferred way of living, dressing, eating, or organizing your day.
    But Christian flourishing isn’t about taste. It’s about truth. It’s rooted in God’s design and your unique calling. It’s not a matter of what’s trending, but of what’s eternally true.

    2. Lifestyle is marketed; flourishing is formed.

    Lifestyle content is everywhere—blogs, YouTube, TikTok—telling us how to optimize, decorate, or upgrade our lives.
    But Christian flourishing isn’t curated for likes. It’s formed over time through prayer, community, sacrifice, and love. It’s shaped by discipline and grace, not branding.

    3. Lifestyle is individualistic; flourishing is communal.

    A lifestyle is something you design. It’s focused on your comfort, goals, or aesthetic.
    Christian flourishing always points outward. It grows in community—within families, parishes, friendships, and service to others. We flourish not alone, but together in Christ.

    4. Lifestyle avoids suffering; Christian flourishing transforms it.

    Modern lifestyle ideals often promise control, ease, and comfort.
    But Christian flourishing accepts that suffering can be redemptive. The Cross is central—not as a burden to avoid, but as a path to love. Flourishing in Christ includes learning how to suffer well and offer it up for a greater good.

    Q: So, can Christians talk about lifestyle at all?

    Yes—but we must reclaim and redefine it. As Christians, our “lifestyle” should mean living in the rhythm of grace, virtue, discipline, and love. It’s a way of life shaped by the Gospel, not by trends. The true Christian lifestyle is a vocation—not a brand.

    Final Thoughts: Flourishing Is Greater Than Lifestyle

    Christian human flourishing is not about managing appearances or optimizing comfort. It’s about becoming holy, whole, and fully alive in Christ. That’s far more than a lifestyle—it’s a transformation.

    Conversation with ChatGPT

  • Habit or Hero? Rethinking Routine, Discipline, and the Fight for Freedom

    Six Big Questions That Could Change How You Live

    In a world that rewards productivity, habits are often seen as heroic. They keep us on track, save mental energy, and offer the appearance of consistency. But what if they also carry a hidden danger — the risk of becoming hollow, mindless, or even harmful when left unchecked?

    This post explores the difference between habit and discipline, not in abstract terms, but through six practical, real-world questions. Each one digs deeper into the tension between automation and intentionality — and offers a path toward living with more freedom, reflection, and meaning.

    1. When Habit Isn’t Heroic: The Danger of Automated Virtue

    Q: I understand that habits are mental patterns that help us act with less effort. But I often think of them as rigid — as if they can trap us into doing what’s familiar, rather than what’s truly right. Isn’t that the difference between someone acting freely — like a hero — and someone following a rigid script — like a tyrant or a fascist?

    A: That’s a great question. Habits do save energy, but when they become rigid, they can stop us from seeing what’s truly right. The hero can step outside of familiar patterns to act with love and truth. The fascist cannot. He obeys the pattern, even when it causes harm. Discipline is the difference. Discipline is the conscious choice to do what’s right — even when it’s hard. That’s what gives us moral freedom.

    2. From Intent to Habit: When Regular Acts of Giving Lose Their Meaning

    Q: My church offers automatic giving. Once you set it up, it runs every week without further effort. Is that still virtuous? Or does it lose something when there’s no intentional act behind it anymore?

    A: Great observation. Setting up automated giving is efficient and shows commitment, but over time, it can lose its soul. You might stop reflecting on why you give, or miss opportunities for meaningful generosity. The action is still good, but the heart behind it may fade. Consider building a small ritual into your week to reconnect with the purpose behind your gift.

    3. When Systems Stall: What Quality Binders Teach Us About Habit and Discipline

    Q: I worked at a manufacturing plant that got ISO 9000 certified. We ended up with binders on a shelf, not real change. Why do systems like that go stale?

    A: You’re describing a system that kept the form but lost the soul. Habit and structure can mask decline if they’re not evaluated. Discipline, by contrast, is flexible and rooted in purpose. When habit outlives discipline, the system becomes self-referential. We need habits to support discipline — not replace it.

    4. Cultivating Habits: The Art of Balancing Routine and Reflection

    Q: So, should we build habits, but keep checking if they still serve the right purpose?

    A: Exactly. Habits are tools, but you’re the craftsman. They give structure, but you need discipline to stay responsive and awake. Think of it like a garden: habits are the plants, discipline is the gardener’s eye. You prune, adapt, and adjust. Structure and freedom are not enemies — they’re partners.

    5. When Habit Masquerades as Discipline

    Q: It bugs me when people treat habit as if it’s automatically virtuous. Isn’t there a difference?

    A: Yes, and it’s crucial. Habit is staying in motion. Discipline is staying intentional. Going to the gym while half-asleep isn’t discipline. It’s coasting. And when people equate habit with virtue, they resist change. They think questioning the habit means questioning their integrity. That’s how inertia can masquerade as moral strength.

    6. Helping Others Distinguish Between Habit and Discipline

    Q: How do we help people see the difference more clearly?

    A: Use real-life examples. Invite reflection. Share visual metaphors like: “Habit is cruise control; discipline is when you take the wheel.” Most of all, model it. Let others see you adjust your own habits when they no longer serve. That’s how we awaken others: not by criticizing, but by demonstrating.

    Conclusion: A Call to Wakefulness

    Habits are powerful. But without discipline, they can become lifeless routines that trap rather than free us. The hero is not the one who obeys the pattern without question. The hero is the one who stays awake.

    Ask yourself: Are your habits serving your purpose, or just preserving your comfort? If you pause long enough to notice the difference, you’re already on the path to freedom.

    Generated with assistance from OpenAI’s ChatGPT (2025).

  • What Does It Mean to Flourish?

    Human, Spiritual, and Ecclesial Flourishing in Harmony

    Q: I’ve been noticing the phrase “human flourishing” more often lately. I also came across an article describing a “flourishing church.” And in a talk I recently heard on St. Francis De Sales, the speaker said that devotion isn’t just about following rules or doing the right thing, but about doing things with a flourish—with extra care and love. Can you explore how these ideas of flourishing might be connected?

    A (ChatGPT): Absolutely—what a rich set of insights to bring together. The idea of flourishing—whether human, spiritual, or ecclesial—carries deep meaning and reveals something essential about how we’re meant to live. Let’s take a closer look at how these different uses of the word are deeply united:

    1. Human Flourishing: Becoming Fully Alive

    The term human flourishing comes from classical philosophy, especially Aristotle’s concept of eudaimonia, often translated as “living well” or “thriving.” It doesn’t mean mere comfort or pleasure—it’s about living in accordance with virtue, purpose, and right relationships. It’s about becoming the person you’re meant to be.

    In a Christian understanding, human flourishing takes on an even deeper meaning: it’s about becoming fully alive in Christ. This includes moral and spiritual development, yes—but also creativity, joy, meaningful work, community, and the fulfillment of your God-given potential. It’s not just surviving. It’s thriving in body, mind, and soul.

    2. A Flourishing Church: A Community That Grows in Love

    A flourishing church isn’t simply one with a growing attendance or a healthy budget. It’s a parish or community where people are growing in holiness, forming deep, authentic relationships, serving others, and living their faith with joy and conviction.

    This ties directly into your reference to St. Francis de Sales. He spoke of devotion not as dry duty but as something done with a flourish. A devout person, in his view, doesn’t just do the right thing—they do it well, with care, love, and attention. That’s the difference between fulfilling an obligation and truly living a vocation.

    In short:
    A flourishing church is made up of flourishing people.
    And flourishing people act out of love—not just from obligation or fear.

    3. Devotion with a Flourish: Love Perfects the Action

    St. Francis de Sales emphasized that devotion isn’t only for monks, nuns, or priests—it’s for everyone. And devotion, he said, “adds polish and luster” to everything we do.

    Think of the difference between preparing a meal and serving it beautifully. Or between saying a prayer and offering it from the depths of your heart. That’s what he means by doing things with a flourish. Love is what perfects the act—elevating the ordinary into something holy.

    When we live with devotion, even small actions become radiant.

    🌱 How It All Comes Together

    These three ideas—human flourishing, a flourishing church, and devotion with a flourish—are not separate. They reflect a single, integrated vision of the Christian life:

    We were made to grow in love.
    Not just to obey, but to overflow.
     Not just to survive, but to shine.

    Whether we’re speaking about an individual soul, a family, a parish, or the Church as a whole—flourishing points to a life of abundance. As Jesus says in John 10:10:

    “I came that they may have life, and have it more abundantly.”

  • The Parable of the Prodigal Son: A Preference for the Repentant Son Over the Loyal Brother

    The Parable of the Prodigal Son: A Preference for the Repentant Son Over the Loyal Brother

    The Parable of the Prodigal Son is one of the most well-known biblical stories. While often interpreted as a lesson on forgiveness, there’s a deeper, subversive message embedded in the narrative. The story emphasizes the redemption of the repentant son over the loyalty of the older brother, challenging us to reflect on the nature of grace, transformation, and true faith.

    Let’s break down why this story shows more favor to the repentant son than the dutiful older brother.

    1. The Repentant Son’s Journey

    The Prodigal Son embarks on a journey of transformation. He leaves home, squanders his inheritance, and experiences deep suffering. But the key moment in the story is when he “comes to his senses,” realizing that his life has gone astray. Returning home isn’t just about apologizing—it’s about a profound change of heart.

    His journey isn’t just physical; it’s deeply moral and spiritual. Without experiencing loss and humility, the son wouldn’t have gained the wisdom necessary to understand what truly matters. His repentance is not merely saying “sorry”; it’s taking full responsibility and seeking reconciliation.

    2. The Older Brother’s Stagnation

    In contrast, the older brother represents the opposite of transformation. He has remained “loyal” and “dutiful,” yet he lacks the deeper compassion and self-awareness that the younger son gains through his fall. His loyalty is tied to a transactional understanding of his relationship with his father. He believes that following the rules entitles him to rewards.

    However, when he sees his brother return, he becomes bitter and resentful. His jealousy reveals his inability to comprehend the true nature of forgiveness and grace. While he believes that loyalty should be rewarded, he struggles to accept the father’s generosity toward the repentant son. This exposes the flaw in his view of faithfulness: it’s not just about staying loyal; it’s about embracing grace, forgiveness, and love.

    3. The Father’s Preference for the Repentant Son

    The father’s actions in the story speak volumes. He doesn’t just forgive the younger son—he goes out of his way to restore him to his rightful place in the family. The father’s joy and celebration of the son’s return show that he values transformation over mere loyalty. To him, the younger son’s repentance signifies a deeper, more meaningful change.

    The older brother, on the other hand, cannot understand why his brother is being celebrated. His view of loyalty lacks grace, focusing solely on merit. The father’s actions reveal a profound truth: that genuine transformation and repentance are more valuable than blind obedience or duty.

    4. The Parable’s Subversive Message

    What makes the Prodigal Son so powerful is how it subverts conventional expectations. The older brother, who has done everything right, is not the one the father celebrates. Instead, it is the one who has made mistakes, strayed, and then returned with genuine repentance.

    This aligns with a deeper spiritual principle often emphasized in Christian teachings: God values repentance and the willingness to transform oneself over mere outward adherence to rules or social norms. The story challenges the idea that it’s enough to simply “do your duty” or “stay loyal.” True faith requires openness to growth, change, and grace.

    5. The Call to Radical Grace

    The parable points to a radical message: true grace and forgiveness are not about rewarding those who follow the rules but about welcoming the lost, the broken, and the repentant. The father’s unconditional love for the Prodigal Son serves as a model of divine love—extending forgiveness even to those who have fallen farthest, as long as they return with a sincere heart.

    This challenges conventional ideas of justice based on merit and points to a more inclusive form of love. The older brother’s sense of entitlement contrasts sharply with the father’s generosity, showing that grace operates outside systems of merit and deservingness.

    6. The Lesson for the Faithful

    There’s a deeper challenge here for the “faithful” or “loyal” figures in the story, such as the older brother (who represents the “righteous” or those who follow the rules). The story teaches that loyalty and obedience don’t automatically entitle you to special treatment. Instead, the lesson is about embracing the joy of redemption and the value of grace.

    The older son’s bitterness reveals a misunderstanding of true loyalty. Loyalty isn’t about comparison or competition; it’s about love, compassion, and the willingness to rejoice in the redemption of others. The parable emphasizes that doing the right thing is important, but it must be coupled with a generous, forgiving heart.

    Conclusion: The Preference for the Repentant Son

    The Prodigal Son’s story clearly favors the repentant son over the older brother. It places a higher value on transformation, humility, and the willingness to embrace grace over mere fidelity or rigid adherence to rules. The father’s response teaches us a profound lesson about the nature of divine love and forgiveness, encouraging us to look beyond our assumptions about justice, loyalty, and merit.

    The older brother’s jealousy and anger reflect the common human tendency to measure worth based on performance. But the parable calls us to embrace a more radical, compassionate vision—a vision where even the most flawed and broken can be redeemed, and their return is celebrated, not condemned.

    Yes, the story of the Prodigal Son does show a preference for the repentant son—and in doing so, it calls attention to the importance of grace over judgment and transformation over stagnation.

    Written in collaboration with ChatGPT (OpenAI, 2025).