THE PARABLE OF THE PRODIGAL SON
First Reading: Joshua 5: 9-12
Second Reading: 2 Corinthians 5: 17-21
Gospel Reading: Luke 15: 1-3 and 11-32
*First reading is from the book of Prophet Joshua. How the Israelites were freed from the slavery of Egypt by the mighty power of the Lord God and their journey to the promised land is narrated in detail. Their first act of public worship and thanksgiving to the Lord God on entering their home land was the celebration of the Passover feast lasting seven days. Their possession of the land became a reality when they ate the produce of the land of Canaan.
*Second reading is from the second letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians. Paul explains to the Christian community at Corinth that the whole aim of Christ's mission was to bring about reconciliation between God and humankind. The Apostle reminds us that we are ambassadors for Christ and for God.
I will arise and go to my father Today's Gospel reading is from St. Luke. The parable of the prodigal son - one of the immortal parables of Jesus- is narrated in detail. It has been called the greatest short story ever told. It is a story about a father and his two sons. The father loves his sons very much. Yet the younger son asks for his share of the property and he spends his money in loose living. When he has spent all that he possessed, he finds himself in a very miserable situation - feeding the pigs- for a living. Desperate as he is he comes to his senses and realizes the great love of his loving father. Finally he returns to his father's house. The loving father accepts him back unconditionally and showers love and affection on his prodigal son. The father's love for the lost son vividly explains God's unconditional forgiveness and love for the lost ones. In the second part of the parable we meet the elder son who served the father faithfully. The elder son is not amused by the turn of events. He in fact revolts against the father for his forgiving love for the younger son. His attitude is harsh and judgmental. This parable tells us about the story of our own lives. The parts played by the prodigal son and the elder son are two sides of the same coin - our own selves. Let us remind ourselves during this lent that the merciful father is always waiting for us to return to Him. Our loving God is prodigal with His forgiveness, mercy and love.
"Love never reasons, but profusely gives: it gives like a thoughtless prodigal its all, and then trembles lest it has done too little." - H. More
"Every parent is at some time the father of the un-returned prodigal with nothing to do but keep his house open to hope." - John Clardl
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