THE PRODIGAL SON
LUKE 15:11-32
The parable of The Prodigal Son, which was almost custom-designed for the recovering alcoholic. In this parable, the father represents God, Who runs to meet the son even though the latter has squandered his inheritance in selfish, sinful behavior. The son is so beaten that he has decided not to ask his father for anything, and yet the father gives him a ring, beautiful clothing, and has a celebration because the son has returned!
But there also is an Elder Brother in this parable, a person who always did his duty and never left his father. He is extremely displeased about the favorable treatment of his younger brother, and he refuses to take part in the celebration.
The lesson I get from this parable is that God seeks us even more then we seek Him. However, there are two parts of our nature that are in conflict: We are both the Younger Brother and the Elder Brother. God wants to give us everything, wants complete union with us, and for no other reason than that we are His children. But there is a stern Elder Brother within us that holds back, that tells us we have to earn everything, that only righteous and deserving people are entitled to union with God.
However, the Younger Brother side of our nature (the rebellious, self-centered side) also has to make a concession in order to make contact with our Higher Power. This confession is the complete willingness to accept God's will and whatever terms are offered. In the parable, for example, the Prodigal Son was so defeated that he was even willing to be a servant in his father's house. Although his father surprised him with love and gifts, none of these benefits were obtained by demanding them or by pleading and begging. Many of us who come to A.A. have the same experience. We are no longer in a position to demand anything, and the best we can hope for is relief from the terrible agony of alcoholism. But, we often have been surprised by unexpected improvements in other areas of our lives.
from a Hazelden pamphlet: Step 11, maintaining the new way of life by Mel. B., page 11, paragraphs 1-4