The Forgiving Family
31 “Then the father said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. 32 But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has come to life, he was lost and has been found.’”
-Luke 15:31-32 (NRSV)
The Parable of the Prodigal Son introduces us to a father with two sons. One son, the oldest of the two, is loyal and obedient, while the other, the youngest, is defiant and reckless. When the man’s youngest son becomes needy and distressed due to his misdeeds, he returns to his father, begging for forgiveness. To the boy’s surprise, his father welcomes him back home. Unfortunately, the news of his brother’s return didn’t have the same effect on the man’s eldest son. The oldest son, feeling cheated, tells his father, “I have never disobeyed your command; yet you have never given me even a young goat so that I might celebrate with my friends.” Understanding the reasonable outrage of his eldest son, the man responds lovingly. Through this parable, Christ tells us two things: (1) even if we have strayed, Christ welcomes us back, and (2) Christ wants us to make forgiveness and compassion our core family principles.
As parents, our challenge is to embrace our children despite the previous pain that they may have caused. And, as children, we have to work not to let resentment get in the way of the love that Christ demands we give to all of our lost and returning family’ especially when they don’t “deserve” it.
Our Father, thank you for being so patient and kind to us. We have struggled to receive your lost children with the love you graciously give us without debate and merit on our part. Help me grow to be joyful when my missing brothers and sisters return. Amen!
Questions for reflection: When was the last time you were upset because forgiveness came too quickly or easily for someone you felt didn’t deserve it? What can you do to turn your resentment or frustration into joy? Don’t we want Jesus to accept us like the prodigal son’s father did for him?