Today's lesson is one of the best known parables of Jesus, commonly called the Parable of the Prodigal Son. But the common name is misleading. For one thing, there are two sons in the parable. The elder brother, who is often overlooked, reveals an attitude that is common among many of us. How can his father forgive his younger brother, who chose to leave the family, squander his resources, and now comes back begging for forgiveness and acceptance? And not only welcome him back, but throw a party? What's fair about that? But perhaps more importantly, the focus of this parable ought not be on either the younger son (the prodigal), or the older brother. The point of this parable is centered on the extravagant father, whose love and mercy is so great, he waits and watches for his errant son, and when he returns, welcomes him back unconditionally. That's what love, grace, and mercy look like. That, says Jesus, is a picture of our loving God.
We all have within us some of the qualities of the prodigal one. We wander and stray to a "far country," cutting ourselves off from God. We all have within us some of the qualities of the elder brother, holding on to resentments, unwilling to accept a loving and merciful God. But this parable is full of good news. When we turn back to God, the Extravagant Father is there to welcome us back, throwing a party of celebration for our return. Let us return to Him today, and let the party begin!
I've often wondered if I can ever be as unconditionally loving as this father and our Father. Each time I read this parable, I am in awe of the father's love and mercy!
ReplyDelete