Church of the
Annunciation

It seems that the Pharisees and scribes are not listening to Jesus because they are shocked to see Jesus associating with sinners and tax collectors. Jesus tells them a parable about a father waiting for the return of his wayward son and when he catches sight of him, he is filled with compassion. When the father throws a party for his prodigal son, the older brother is angry and refuses to come in. He is resentful of the attention and kindness his father is showering on his younger brother. But the father goes out to assure him of his love. We are listening to the parable of Jesus from afar but it does come close to home. Siblings do become resentful when a parent seems to favor one son or daughter over another or when one daughter or son carries a greater burden of care for an elderly parent. This parable is known as the Prodigal Son. It can better be called the parable of the Prodigal Father. “Prodigal” means “wasteful, reckless or extravagant.” Jesus indeed is extravagant with God’s mercy for sinners. At times we may forget that we are all sinners.