The Parable of the Loving FatherSample

Welcomed by the father (2)

“His father came out and entreated him… And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. It was fitting to celebrate and be glad…’” (Luke 15:28-32)

When the youngest son returned home, the father ran to meet him. Now that the eldest son refuses to come in, the father comes to meet him outside. Both sons are welcomed equally lovingly. But the eldest son will not listen. He accuses the father of unfair behavior: he has always “served” his father, but no celebration is organized for him. His younger brother makes a mess of things, and as soon as he shows up a feast is thrown. The eldest son thinks this is unfair!

The father does not react offensively to this sulking and harsh reproaches. “Son,” he says lovingly, ”You are always with me, and all that is mine is yours.” In other words, the eldest son is not at all justified in feeling short-changed. Nor is it the father's intention to put him behind. On the contrary, the father is so happy that his family is complete again, and he wants both his sons to enjoy the party!

The eldest son's words make it clear that he experiences life on his father's farm as “service.” Therefore, he also wants to be rewarded. He is not there out of love.

That lack of love makes the difference between the attitude of the eldest son and that of the father. In which attitude do you recognize yourself the most?