Love Is Going Back To God

14 March 2010

Today’s Readings: Jos 5:9,10-12/Lk 15:1-13,11-32

REFLECTION
Jesus’ purpose in using this parable is to give a message to the scribes and the Pharisees. These spiritual teachers of Israel complain that Jesus associates and eats with public sinners. The Pharisees, meaning “separated ones,” would do everything to dissociate themselves with the public sinners and other outcasts.

We do not need to elaborate when to say that the younger son is a lost person. But to say that the elder son is just as lost as his younger brother needs more explanation. The elder son seems regretful that he has been serving his father faithfully. He does not consider himself a co-owner of what his father owns, to him, the father is a master who must be served and not a father who loves his sons. The elder is a lost as the younger son because he cannot accept the graciousness of their father. Like the Pharisees who want the sinner to stay lost, the elder son wants his brother to stay lost because he does not see him as his brother.

God gives chances and accepts without condition those who come to Him. It is unfortunate that too many “elder brothers” are out there to play gods and hinder repentant sinners from going back to God.

PRAYER
Loving Father, we praise & thank you for giving us chances and accepting us without condition whenever we come to you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.