On this Fourth Sunday of Lent we hear a familiar parable proclaimed in our Eucharistic celebration. It is often titled “The Parable of the Prodigal Son” to highlight the younger son who became lost and then came to his senses. But there are two other characters in the parable — the older son who was resentful and didn’t join in the celebration as well as the father who is gracious and merciful and accepting to both of his sons.
Luke gives us this parable to ponder something about God in this Lenten time. It is meant to help us accept and celebrate God’s mercy toward all of us. How comfortable are you with the way God (like the father in the parable) is toward any of us in our foolish wastefulness or resistance and resentment? (Clearly both of the sons in the parable have issues!) How can this parable help you to really know God and how God is toward us in our weaknesses?