“‘My son,’ the father said, ‘…we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’” (Luke 15:32).
I have been reflecting on the parable that Christ told us about the Prodigal Son…
“There was a man who had two sons. The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them… When he came to his senses, he said, ‘… Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you… But the father said to his servants, ‘…Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’… ‘My son,’ the father said, ‘…we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’” (Luke 15:11-32).
You see, I had recently heard a beautiful homily about this parable. In that homily, I started to think a little more about the Father – who represents God the Father – in this parable.
Of course, there is the significance of the Father’s actions at the beginning of the parable. You see, in those days, when a child asked for their inheritance, that is the same as saying that that child’s father is dead to them. And I imagine the pain of the Father who is rejected by His child, who He loves with all His heart and Soul and Mind. And yet – even despite this pain – the Father gave the child exactly what he asked for. He gave the child his inheritance and allowed that child to do with it as he willed.
Then in the middle of the parable, the Father’s actions are again significant. You see, the prodigal son was prepared to come back to his father’s home as a servant. He had a whole “going-back home” strategy prepared. And yet, when the son did return home, his Father ran out onto the road to greet him. He did not even give His son the opportunity to speak – the opportunity to apologise – He simply embraced him and brought him home amid great celebration.
But it was what the Father did at the end of the parable that has stayed in my mind. You see, after speaking to the older son, who was driven by envy, the Father waited outside. And that is what I have been reflecting on today. You see in staying out, the Father shows us that He is waiting to save other souls. He is always scanning the horizon for children who might be ready to return to Him and He is waiting there with perfect merciful love.
And I have been thinking about that today as I pray for the souls who I love who have squandered their inheritance. For I have such great hope for their souls – after all the Father is waiting outside – just for you and me…
For with prayer, I stand on Holy Ground where everything is clear. Here. At the Foot of the Cross.