Today’s gospel, the beloved parable of the Prodigal Son. Typical focus is on the remorse of the Prodigal and the mercy of his father. But the context of the story—the muttering of the “ teachers of the law,” scandalized by Jesus’ welcome to sinners, reveals a deeper purpose.
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Their counterpart is the “elder son” who resents the abundance of the Father’s love. Thus, the story has a more polemical edge. Its message not directed so much at sinners, assuring them of God’s love—but against the righteous, religious people who draw a circle around God’s love
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That circle would include themselves but exclude everyone else. Jesus does not exclude them: “You are always with me.” But how can he fail to rejoice that one who was dead has come back to life? There are many things to be indignant about. God’s mercy is not one of them.

Mar 23, 2019 · 2:31 PM UTC
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