2nd week in Lent, Saturday – 6th March 2021 – Luke 15, 1-3.11-32
Being drawn by Father’s Goodness
This parable emphasizes the graciousness of the father more than the sinfulness of the son. It was the memory of his father’s goodness that brought the younger son to repentance and forgiveness (Rom 2,4). The three experiences of the younger son are: Rebellion – he went to the far country (15,11-16); Repentance – he came to himself (15,17-19); and Rejoicing – he came to the father (15,20-24). The younger son dreamed of “enjoying” his freedom far from home and away from his father and older brother. He wanted to have his own way, so he rebelled against his own father and broke his father’s heart. He lived a life of sin. Sin promises freedom, but it only brings slavery (Jn 8,34); it promises success, but brings failure; it promises life, but “the wages of sin is death” (Rom 6,23). When the young man changed his mind about himself and his situation, he admitted that he was a sinner. He confessed that his father was a generous man and that service at home was far better than “freedom” in the far country. If he had thought only about himself – his hunger, his homesickness, and his loneliness – he would have despaired. But his painful circumstances helped him to see his father in a new way, and this brought him hope. Therefore He immediately acted out in true repentance, involving his will as well as the mind and the emotions – “I will arise… I will go… I will say…” On seeing the younger son, the father not only ran to welcome his son, but he honoured his homecoming by preparing a great feast and inviting the village to attend. The father never permitted the younger son to finish his confession; he interrupted him, forgave him, and ordered the celebration to begin. Everything the younger son had hoped to find in the far country, he discovered back home: clothes, jewelry, friends, joyful celebration, love and assurance for future. In the far country, the prodigal learned the meaning of misery, but back home, he discovered the meaning of mercy.
