The associated reading for this reflection can be found in your Every Sacred Sunday Mass journal or online here.
The story of the prodigal son is a story that is so famous that it has manifested on almost every level of artistic expression, and is well known to believers and non-believers alike. The theme and message of repentance, extraordinary mercy, and forgiveness strikes not only at the heart of our Christian faith, but touches on a deep yearning and core of all human hearts.
Unfortunately, it is so well known, it is taken for granted. Fortunately, the readings today not only give us a chance to revisit this profound parable, but gives us additional context on how to understand it.
According to the Gospel, “Tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to listen to Jesus, but the Pharisees and scribes began to complain, saying, ‘This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.’” Already the divide is established between those who are sinful and seeking repentance and those who have been faithful, yet look down in judgement at others. Sound familiar?
It is the exact same dynamic as the two sons in the parable: the sinners represented by the wayward, younger son and the religious leaders represented by the faithful, yet resentful older son. With this context established, Jesus weaves a story about the younger son's folly and undoing, and reveals a path of redemption that is met with enthusiastic forgiveness. Far from anger or harsh judgement seen in the older brother, the father (who represents God) rejoices and embraces his son even while he is still far off.
We often focus far too much on our sinfulness and are crushed by the shame of our shortcomings. Yet God calls us to focus far more on the joy, hope, and new life that comes from genuine repentance. Indeed, as the second reading reminds us, “Whoever is in Christ is a new creation: the old things have passed away; behold, new things have come.” As we enter into this week of Lent, let us look forward and remember that we are not primarily a Lenten people, mired by the shame and guilt of our wrongdoings, but an Easter people that has been freed from our old life of sin and born into a new life of virtue and love.
Andrew Montpetit is a Motion Graphic Designer / Animator in West Michigan. He greatly enjoys good films and deep, substantive conversations about beauty and its pursuit. You can find his work on his website.