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	NOT JUST A DRIVE BY

The Gospel

LUKE 15:25-32

[Jesus continued the parable:] "Now the older son had been out in the field and, on his way back, as he neared the house, he heard the sound of music and dancing. He called one of the servants and asked what this might mean.The servant said to him, ‘Your brother has returned and your father has slaughtered the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.' He became angry, and when he refused to enter the house, his father came out and pleaded with him. He said to his father in reply, ‘Look, all these years I served you and not once did I disobey your orders; yet you never gave me even a young goat to feast on with my friends. But when your son returns who swallowed up your property with prostitutes, for him you slaughter the fattened calf.’ He said to him, ‘My son, you are here with me always; everything I have is yours. But now we must celebrate and rejoice, because your brother was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.’”

The Media -- "Drive By" (Train)

"On the other side of a street stood a girl that looked like you. I guess that’s déjà vu. I thought this can’t be true ‘cause you moved to west LA or New York or Santa Fe or wherever to get away from me. Oh, but that one night was more than just right. I didn’t leave you ‘cause I was all through—oh, I was overwhelmed and frankly scared because I fell for you. Oh, I swear to you. I’ll be there for you. This is not a drive by, just a shy guy looking for a two-ply hefty bag to hold my love. But now, you are here again, so let’s skip the ‘how you been’ and get down to the ‘more than friends’ at last."

In the Gospel story known as "The Prodigal Son" or perhaps better named "The Forgiving Father," the father of the two sons was truly there for his sons. He was there for the first son after the son finally came to his senses. And he was there for the second son even though from the story we are not sure what the outcome was. It is the father who is the hero. He was always there whether his sons made mistakes or not. In Jesus' mind, that is the way God the Father is for all of us.

The man of the relationship in the group Train's song "Drive By" promises the other who has come into his life that he will be there for her, telling her that he is not just someone who is driving by and looking for love. Knowing well that many relationships are merely selfish with one looking to be satisfied by the other in some way, the man in the relationship tells his friend that no matter what happens, he is there with her. It is a statement of commitment and promise to be part of the relationship in every set of circumstances. It is a significant statement and can never be made lightly.

Unfortunately, there are too many in our world who make such commitments lightly. They make the statement too soon in their relationship. Or they make it without the necessary preparation. Or they make it and simply do not understand what the consequences should be. Or once they have made it, they put no effort into keeping it.

To be there for someone is never easy. It means that you will be with them forever. It means that you will be open to their needs no matter how you feel. It means putting the other first in such a way that that person honestly knows that there is someone they can count on--always.

PRAYER

Good and gracious God, your Son has assured us that You are there for us at all times. It is a wonderful promise that we can count on. Give us the grace to always be thankful for your gift and help us follow through if we make the promise to be there for someone else. Be with us, we pray.

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GUIDE FOR CLASSROOM PRESENTATION AND PERSONAL ENRICHMENT

Theme: If we are there for someone, we will show it by our commitment to them.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1. The first part of Jesus' parable is presented with Coldplay's song "Paradise" on this website. You might want to study the songs and parable of Jesus together.
2. The beginning of chapter 15 in Luke's Gospel indicates that Jesus told this story to the scribes and Pharisees who were complaining that Jesus welcomed sinners. In your opinion, why did Jesus spend time with "sinners"?
3. As mentioned, the story is probably better named "The Forgiving Father" rather than "The Prodigal Son." It is arguably the most important of Jesus' parables because it illustrates how God the Father acts on our behalf. See Catechism of the Catholic Church, second edition, number 1439. Do most Christians think that God is a merciful God? Yes or no and why?
4. In the story, judging from the fact that the older son became angry when his brother returned, what conclusion can be drawn concerning the older son's personality?
5. Jesus does not give a conclusion to the story. In your estimation, what would the older son have done? Why?
6. What is the meaning of the belief that God is always there for us?
7. Analysis: it seems that the man in the relationship is saying that he will be there for the other too soon. Do you agree and why or why not?
8. Text analysis: "A shy guy looking for a two ply hefty bag to hold my love." Explain the meaning of the text.
9. Text analysis: "Let's skip the 'how you been' and get down to the 'more than friends'." Explain the meaning of the text.
10. Give some examples of "selfish" relationships.
11. What is your definition of "commitment"?
12. In your opinion, what are the consequences that should follow after someone has said that they are there for the other?
13. Fundamentally, why is being there for someone never easy?
14. In general, do you believe that most couples intend to stay together "forever" when they say that they will be there for each other? Yes or no and why?
15. The meditation implies that a person should say that he/she is there for another only if they will be married or friends forever. Do you agree with that thought? Yes or no and why?
16. What does the song "Drive By" teach young people?

Questions, comments? Let me know. Email Fr. Mike