The pharisees and scribes grumbled that Jesus ate with tax collectors and “sinners” and Jesus responded with the parable of the “Prodigal Son.” I wonder what that experience was like for the tax collector?

I ran away, chasing a lavish lifestyle .
The more I had, the more I craved.
My table overflowed, but I was insatiable,
Haunted by people who got poorer as I got richer.

Remembering comforting childhood rituals;
Faithful rhythms that connected with God,
I wondered,
How did I get so far away?
Can I go back?

Jesus met me in the in-between;
welcomed me at his table,
treated me like royalty,
offered extravagant grace.

Finally I felt fed.
Old ways died,
I began to live.

When religious leaders grumbled,
Jesus told a story:
“A man had two sons . . . “

I understood.

By Melissa Hinnen Inspired by Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32