Have you heard this about God? He loves to party. His parties are full of joy. He even sings and dances. He is ultra romantic. He throws the party, he sends invites and he plans his parties meticulously. His parties have been and are going to be very lavish, yes much more than the recent outrageous weddings you have seen in social media.

For most religious people the above description would be like a bone getting stuck inside the throat. Maybe some are guilty of picturing God as serious, matter of fact, always business oriented, chief justice kind of figure. At the risk of being controversial may I even use the word 'boring'? Typical assumption is that humans go to God for serious matters, but when it comes to having fun we stay away.

When Jesus started doing the kind of things that fall outside the typical conception of spirituality, many were offended.  One time he asked to throw a party in the house of a corrupt tax collector. Seemingly a lot of people of reputation were there. Prostitutes, sinners, drunkards; But religious gurus were walking outside curious. Later they questioned his ethics and credentials. He didn't seem to mind that. I feel he was expecting the typical religious response. And then he revealed his nature by his actions and a fabulous story.

Before we go to the prodigal son story let us also recall this incident from the New Testament where a tainted woman gatecrashed the party at a Pharisees house. She sat very close to Jesus and eventually went back with the return gift of forgiveness and love. Though others minded it, God seems to have thoroughly enjoyed the moments. In heaven many such gatecrash parties will be revealed. The old testament writer wrote it in this way, "In your presence there is fullness of joy. At your right hand there are pleasures forever." "Taste and see that the Lord is good."

The invitation indeed is extravagant and sumptuous. So is the invite to the kingdom of heaven. It is going to be a super feast. All are invited. You might find God singing and dancing there. The Bible describes Him as the One who 'will rejoice over us with joy and singing.'

In our weekend party culture, many musical attractions are sought after  over the weekend. Many of us seek solace in these parties. I have been there a lot. I have spoken to friends who go there. Most of us have found that eventually it gets dark and gloomy. The joy is very very short lived. Cravings don't seem to get satisfied. Hangovers and guilt loom large after the night. Sometimes there are consequences much more severe. Then why is it that we don't discover the ultimate music and the ultimate party?

In Luke 15 story the Father threw a party because the younger son came back home. When the elder son heard the music and singing inside the house, he got upset and stayed outside. He gave some rationale. But to an impartial observer that decision seems so foolish. The music must have been loud to the one hanging outside. The father told him that he was invited too. That's what God tells us all ... "We are all invited into the party."

We can get to hear God singing and dancing. Spirituality can be very very enjoyable and adventurous. Holy spirit is ready to echo God's songs in our hearts if we just say yes in the RSVP.

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