The tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to listen to him, but the Pharisees and scribes began to complain, saying, "This man welcomes sinners and eats with them." So to them he addressed this parable.
Then he said, "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.' So the father divided the property between them. After a few days, the younger son collected all his belongings and set off to a distant country where he squandered his inheritance on a life of dissipation…
because this son of mine was dead, and has come to life again; he was lost, and has been found.' Then the celebration began. Now the older son had been out in the field and, on his way back, as he neared the house, he heard the sound of music and dancing…
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.'" (Lk 15:1-3,11-32)
Jesus addressed this parable to the Pharisees and the Scribes. Pharisees and the Scribes were pious and righteous and they thought the tax collectors and sinners were condemned by God. They were surprised and in fact they were shocked to see Jesus associating with the sinners. The Pharisees thought that Jesus was a good man (in a religious sense) and hence they did not expect him to relate to sinners. Jesus explains his position though this parable.
In any society there would always be these two types of people. There would be those who are loyal, hard-working, spending less, but self righteous and condemning others. There would be those who run away, spending more than they earn or have, enjoying, but feeling sorry when they have reached the rock bottom, wanting to come back, and not seeking any advantages. These two types would always co-exist.
The attitude of the Father is the central theme for reflection in this story. The father is waiting for the return of the runaway, welcomes him as soon as he retunes, arranges for the celebration, and pleads for him with the other and puts him back into the original relationship. Jesus takes up this model not only for his preaching (parables) but also for his practice. His attitude towards the sinners was same as that of the Father.
