Parable of the Prodigal Son MEDITATION
Parable of the Lost Son The tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to listen to him, but the Pharisees and scribes began to complain This parable challenges the Pharisees and scribes who are much like the older brother. They do not see their sin. This parable comforts those who are sorry for their sin and wish more than anything to restore their relationship with their Father. Can I say that my sin is always before me or do I often fail to recognize my own sinfulness. A man had two sons, and the younger son said to his father, Father, give me the share of your estate that should come to me. In asking for his inheritance, the younger son may as well be wishing his father were dead. He thinks only of himself. What is worse, he is irresponsible with the money, and with his own life. He squanders the money and his time in ways his father would disapprove. His behavior is reprehensible in every way. In what ways have I stepped completely out of my relationship with God? In what ways have I preferred my own pleasure over the life and well-being of other persons?
Parable of the Lost Son Coming to his senses he thought, How many of my father s hired workers have more than enough food to eat, but here am I, dying from hunger. I shall get up and got to my father and I shall say to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I no longer deserve to be called your son; treat me as you would treat one of your hired workers. The younger son realizes that he would be better off returning to his father. He does not return out of love for his father, but because of his own hunger and discomfort. He is desperate. He plans his apology to his father he is sorry but still does not recognize the hurt he has given his father. His contrition [sorrow] is imperfect. Among the penitent s acts contrition occupies the first place. Contrition is sorrow of the soul and detestation for the sin committed, together with the resolution not to sin again. CCC #1450 When it arises from a love by which God is loved above all else, contrition is called perfect. CCC #1451 The contrition called imperfect (or attrition ) is also a gift of God, a prompting of the Holy Spirit. CCC #1452 This imperfect contrition arises from fear of the consequences of sin the discomfort resulting from the sin and/or fear of punishment. Even this imperfect contrition is enough in the Sacrament God forgives us if there is any sorrow at all. When have you been most in need of God s mercy? How do you feel about so great a love such unfailing mercy? God s mercy has often been called scandalous can you see why?
Parable of the Lost Son While he was still a long way off, his father caught sight of him, and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him and kissed him. His son said But his father ordered his servants, Quickly bring the finest robe and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Take the fattened calf and slaughter it. Then let us celebrate with a feast, because this son of mine was dead, and has come back to life again; he was lost, and has been found. God seeks us at every moment. God does not desire retribution, but only restoration. God is waiting for each of us. When have you been lost? Dead? When have you been most aware of God s love for you? Do you know what it is like to be found?
The Parable of the Lost Son Now the older son had been out in the field he became angry, and when he refused to enter the house, his father came out and pleaded with him. 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 father goes out to the older son, just as he went out to the younger. For the father there would be no greater gift than two sons who loved each other. If the older son really loved his father, how would he have treated his younger brother? Where are you in this parable are you the younger son, the older so, the loving father the tax collectors or the Pharisees? What concrete actions do you take to facilitate the finding of sinners? How, in your own life, have you welcomed back the sinner celebrated a life that has been found?