March 31, 2019 Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 Once there was a man who had two sons... Once there was also a woman who heard this parable so many times that she thought she knew exactly what it meant. Which is pretty much like asking God to come and turn you upside down. And sure enough... My spiritual director gave me this parable several weeks ago as something to pray with during Lent. Once there was a man who had two sons... Because this parable is usually referred to as the Parable of the Prodigal Son, I’ve always assumed that the word “prodigal” meant someone who went away and then came back. But it turns out it doesn’t mean that at all. According to the dictionary, the main definition of prodigal is actually “ exceedingly or recklessly wasteful.” Which fits this younger son perfectly. There he is at home feeling claustrophobic. Feeling like he is missing something. Wondering what else is out there in the big wide world. Feeling a longing or emptiness that he thi