The open secret of ancient Israel and of the modern West is that “making it” and getting whatever comes along with your version of success don’t actually cure insecurity, erase shame, or still the constant churn of restlessness that drove you along the journey toward success. The subtext of Jesus’ masterful “Prodigal God” parable is that both sons are trying to “make it.” One thinks success is staying home, the other adventure, and both fail.
