The Parable of the Prodigal Son is one of the very best-known of Jesus’ parables. A man had two sons. One of them remained at home and worked for his father, while the other took his share of the inheritance, left home and squandered all that he had. Through poor choices and reckless living he was left with nothing and in a state of destitution returned home. When his father saw him approaching he ran to greet him, so overjoyed was he to see his son once again. There was no thought in his mind of anger that the son’s inheritance had been lost. There was no accusation that the behaviour of the son had brought shame. Instead there was only joy; joy that the son who was lost had been found.
It is the Parable of the Prodigal Son that will be proclaimed as the Gospel at Mass this Sunday.
Jesus told the Parable of the Prodigal Son to teach us about the love that God the Father has for each of us. Whenever we turn away from God’s will, whenever we fall to the temptation of sin, he is always waiting for us to turn back to him, and will embrace us with joy when we do so. God is a forgiving God. God is God of love.
