We Often Believe We are the Problem

Encounter: Listen to or slowly read the prodigal son parable asking Jesus to reveal himself to you, what does he want you to recognize? Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 in the NLT or The Message. As you read, ask yourself the question. What does this show me about how God is like?

On Monday mornings, I dedicate 2.5 hours on Zoom with spiritual directors, pastors, and professors from around the world, collaboratively exploring the rhythms of guiding individuals through the Ignatian Exercises. At the onset of this journey, we have what are known as the “Disposition Days.” This period is essential for ensuring that our foundational understanding of the image of God is recognized, felt, and loved before progressing further.

Possessing a distorted image of God is akin to navigating a treacherous hike with an incorrect map. It can lead you astray, causing confusion and potential danger. Perhaps this is why Jehoshaphat circulated God’s Word throughout all the towns in the region, freeing people from the distortions that fostered idolatry and misrepresented our Creator (2 Chronicles 1).

It seems clear that God desires for us to truly understand His heart.

To set the mood, our professor shared a story from the best-selling book, God of Surprises by Gerard W. Hughes, SJ. The imagery in this narrative resonates with many of us, shaped by well-meaning parents, teachers, or pastors, and has likely caused some to turn away from their faith. This illustrates how we can form our own false images of God, leading to inner turmoil:

“God was portrayed as a beloved family relative, highly regarded by Mum and Dad, who described Him as very loving, a close family friend, powerful, and genuinely interested in us. Eventually, we are taken to meet ‘Good Old Uncle George.’ He resides in an imposing mansion, is gruff, bearded, and somewhat intimidating. We don’t share our parents’ admiration for this so-called gem of the family. At the end of our visit, Uncle George addresses us sternly, saying, ‘Now listen, dear, I expect to see you here weekly, and if you fail to show up, let me demonstrate the consequences.’

He leads us down to the dark basement of the mansion, where the temperature rises and eerie screams can be heard. In the basement, there are steel doors. Uncle George opens one, revealing a horrifying sight: blazing furnaces attended by small demons who cast in anyone who failed to visit him or act as he desired. ‘And if you don’t come to see me, dear, that’s where you’ll end up,’ he warns.

Afterward, he brings us back upstairs to meet Mum and Dad. On our way home, tightly gripping Dad with one hand and Mum with the other, Mum leans in and asks, ‘And now, don’t you love Uncle George with all your heart and soul, mind and strength?’ Begrudgingly, we respond, ‘Yes, I do,’ as anything else would mean facing the horrors of the furnace.

At a young age, this religious confusion begins, leading us to profess our love for Uncle George while inwardly loathing him. We strive to please him, adhering to what we believe are his wishes, yet dare not admit our true feelings.

Uncle George is a caricature, yet it embodies a truth: we can create a God in our own image, reflecting our tyrannical selves. Hellfire sermons may be out of style now, but their appeal to certain unhealthy mindsets can lead to chaos for the more sensitive among us.

Our understanding of God is influenced by parents, teachers, and clergy; we don’t come to know Him directly. Intellectually, I might recognize that God isn't like Uncle George, but my emotional responses shape how I approach Him. These feelings are not easily changed, and even if I know in my mind that God is different, I may still feel a strong reluctance to connect with Him, often finding excuses to avoid prayer—like being too busy or preferring to seek Him through my work. We must continuously pray to rid ourselves of these false notions of God, earnestly asking Him to reveal His true nature, for no one else can.”

Reflecting on my own perceptions of God over the years, I realize I needed correction and healing to truly see the real Jesus.

Fortunately, Jesus presents us with a different perspective. In Luke 15, Jesus shares His personal image of God. Perhaps we have grown too accustomed to the story of the prodigal son. Instead of viewing it merely as a tale about Jews and Gentiles or the contrasting sons, what if it’s a vivid illustration of God’s heart towards each of us?

This Sunday, I’ll discuss how our foundational understanding of the image of God influences our relationship with Him and how we navigate life. We all possess a professed image and an operative image, and one aspect of our lives will surely reveal which image we genuinely embody.

How you pray offers insight into your perception of who God is, what He is like, and how He acts. 

How do you approach God? More tomorrow!

You are Loved,

Pastor T

Reflect: Take some time this week and journal your reflections from these questions. 

When did you first become aware of God in your life?

What was your image of God? Who influenced it? Can you see how it may have evolved? 

Do you remember your first experience of God’s love? Where was it? Do a composition of time and place? What did you feel?

Can you name a few experiences of God’s love and care for you in your journey of life? 

Consider this/these. What stands out for you as you call this/these to mind? Is there a pattern? 

How often do you return to this/these experiences? What does the return do for/to you?

Spiritual Practice: 

Visio Divina - Do a search for images created by artists of the prodigal son story. Reflect on the image and Imagine yourself as the different characters in the parable. What are you beginning to feel? What emotions come up for you? Maybe you have lived something similar. How does this give you a deeper understanding of who God is and what He is like?

Gather: 

Discuss your expectations of “a perfect day?” When the list gets done (does it ever)? When there are accomplishments to celebrate? When you’ve done everything right? What other definitions of a perfect day could take the place of these?