The Prodigal Son

The Prodigal Son, the first volume in the Popular Patristic Series, is a deeply engaging and theologically rich exploration of one of the most beloved parables in the Gospel of Luke (15:11-32). In this work, Nun Christina brings together the voices of the great Fathers of the Church-St. Cyril of Alexandria, St. Ambrose of Milan, Blessed Theophylact, St. Augustine of Hippo, St. Gregory of Nyssa, and Monk Euthymios Zigabenos-offering readers a profound patristic commentary on the spiritual, moral, and sacramental dimensions of the parable. Far more than a moral story of waywardness and return, the Parable of the Prodigal Son is shown to be a theological microcosm of the entire Christian mystery: the fall of man, the deception of sin, the famine of the soul estranged from God, the grace of repentance, and the overwhelming mercy of the Father who restores the dignity of sonship. Each Father unpacks the story with insight and love, highlighting the figure of the father not as a symbol of passive forgiveness, but as an icon of the active, joyous compassion of God, who runs to meet the penitent soul.

The Prodigal Son, the first volume in the Popular Patristic Series, is a deeply engaging and theologically rich exploration of one of the most beloved parables in the Gospel of Luke (15:11-32). In this work, Nun Christina brings together the voices of the great Fathers of the Church-St. Cyril of Alexandria, St. Ambrose of Milan, Blessed Theophylact, St. Augustine of Hippo, St. Gregory of Nyssa, and Monk Euthymios Zigabenos-offering readers a profound patristic commentary on the spiritual, moral, and sacramental dimensions of the parable. Far more than a moral story of waywardness and return, the Parable of the Prodigal Son is shown to be a theological microcosm of the entire Christian mystery: the fall of man, the deception of sin, the famine of the soul estranged from God, the grace of repentance, and the overwhelming mercy of the Father who restores the dignity of sonship. Each Father unpacks the story with insight and love, highlighting the figure of the father not as a symbol of passive forgiveness, but as an icon of the active, joyous compassion of God, who runs to meet the penitent soul.

I've been alone long enough. As a chart-topping country singer, I'm living the dream. While my family is all back in Austin, embracing their happily-ever-afters, I'm on the road on a sold-out tour. I should feel ecstatic, yet all I am is lonely. Maybe that's why I find myself drawn to a fan who pops up at one of my shows. Something about the way he watches me on stage has me thinking...he knows my secret. And after the first kiss, I can't seem to let him go. But Jensen Miles has some secrets of his own: He isn't just a regular fan. He's a preacher. And not just any preacher-the new preacher at my dad's church. Where I come from, preachers don't have filthy mouths and dirty hookups, let alone with a male country singer. But Jensen has scars like mine. They just run deeper. We can't stay away from each other, though. One night turns into nearly every city of the tour; the two of us sneak around backstage, onto tour buses, and in hotel rooms. And while I've never been happier...I'm tired of hiding. With Jensen, I might be able to escape the monsters from my past-even if the scariest one has just been set free. With Jensen, we can outrun our demons together. With Jensen, I'm finally ready to come home.

I've been alone long enough. As a chart-topping country singer, I'm living the dream. While my family is all back in Austin, embracing their happily-ever-afters, I'm on the road on a sold-out tour. I should feel ecstatic, yet all I am is lonely. Maybe that's why I find myself drawn to a fan who pops up at one of my shows. Something about the way he watches me on stage has me thinking...he knows my secret. And after the first kiss, I can't seem to let him go. But Jensen Miles has some secrets of his own: He isn't just a regular fan. He's a preacher. And not just any preacher-the new preacher at my dad's church. Where I come from, preachers don't have filthy mouths and dirty hookups, let alone with a male country singer. But Jensen has scars like mine. They just run deeper. We can't stay away from each other, though. One night turns into nearly every city of the tour; the two of us sneak around backstage, onto tour buses, and in hotel rooms. And while I've never been happier...I'm tired of hiding. With Jensen, I might be able to escape the monsters from my past-even if the scariest one has just been set free. With Jensen, we can outrun our demons together. With Jensen, I'm finally ready to come home.