Sunday 10 March 2013

Background

Today we read one of the most well-known parables in the Gospelsand yet it only appears in Luke's Gospel. It is also unusual in itslength, which allows space to develop the three main characters ina way that is not typical in other shorter parables. This allows usto put ourselves in the place of each family member and to considerwhat we would do in their situation.

On Mothering Sunday the striking omission is that the brothers'mother is not mentioned. In a patriarchal society that would nothave been a surprise to those listening to Jesus tell this story,but the characteristics displayed by the father would resonate withmost mothers. All parents may experience the same rollercoaster ofemotions: the worry about a teenage son going off the rails; thetension between parental control and letting a son make mistakes inthe hope they might learn from them; the loss felt by the emptynest and the joy felt when the son returns home wiser and moremature.

Parents will also know the importance of treating all childrenalike. To show favouritism to one risks serious problems developingwithin the family. We can easily identify with the elder son'sanger (verse 28). He has done all that his parents have asked andyet his wayward brother appears to get all the attention. But justas the father takes the initiative with the younger son, runningtowards him when he was still far away (verse 20), he takes theinitiative again with the elder brother, coming outside to pleadwith him (verse 28). It takes a loving arm around him and areminder that "you are always with me" (verse 31) to reassure theson of the father's unfailing love.

The chapter starts with reference to those who were listening tothe parable (verses 1-2). The tax collectors and sinners couldidentify with the younger son, whilst the Pharisees and the scribeswith the elder son. Jesus is encouraging them and us to see that weare all equally loved by God and to join with him in rejoicing atboth the abundant grace of God and the return of those that werelost.

To Ponder

• Read the parable three times, each time imagining you wereeither the father or one of the sons. Consider the story from theirdifferent perspectives and how you would react in theirsituation.

• Think about a relationship that is strained either in your ownfamily or between people you know. How can you help remind them ofGod's unfailing love?