Readings: Joshua 5:9a, 10-12; 2 Corinthians 5:17-21; Luke 15:1-3, 11-32 (33)

“Now we must celebrate and rejoice, because your brother was dead and has come to life again.”

The parable in today’s Gospel reading is one of the best known stories in all of human literature. But what does it really mean? We call it the parable of the prodigal son, but should we? Is it primarily about that younger son, who abandons his father and squanders his life in extreme self-indulgence and sensuality Or is the focus on somebody else?

Jesus told the parable to tax collectors and sinners, but also to Pharisees and Scribes. In fact, he told it in response to some of their questions. Now the Pharisees and Scribes were considered the experts in religion; the ones who avoided sin and followed the law perfectly. They were like the other brother in the parable, the older brother. So maybe we should call this the parable of the arrogant son instead of the parable of the prodigal son? The older brother was arrogant: his heart was like a rock, judging everyone and considering himself superior to everyone, just like the Pharisees.

God never gives up on us. He is always taking the first step, reaching out to us, inviting us to trust and follow him. Isn’t that the message of the sacrament of the Eucharist? Jesus is always here with us, in the tabernacle, waiting, eager to spend time with us, no matter how confused and wounded we may be. Isn’t that the message of the sacrament of confession? God’s door is always open – we can always come to him and ask for forgiveness, renewed strength, and a power-wash of mercy. God will never turn us away.