In Luke 15 (1-3, 11-32) we find one of the better known stories in the New Testament, often referred to as the story of the prodigal son. Being familiar to most of us, we may tend to focus on the memorable parts of the story; often, the prodigal. Since what we focus on also determines what we miss, in this reflection I would like to focus on two details that are at times overlooked.
The first detail is the context in which Jesus tells the story of the prodigal. Note the opening line of the reading: 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.So to them Jesus addressed this parable. Remarkable, isn't it? The Jewish religious leaders were upset with Jesus because he welcomed sinners and ate with them. Indeed, it was a common thing for Jesus to share meals with the outcast and the marginalized. He regularly associated with them, befriended them and stood in solidarity with them. So, in response to their complaints about him, Jesus told this story to the Pharisees and scribes. The story has something to say to Pharisees, and you and I, when we sit in judgment of others; and when we exclude certain folks rather than include everyone. It is also worth noting that Jesus' message, and his way of interacting with folks attracted the marginalized. They must have felt accepted by him; and comforted by his message. What was his message? What was it that he communicated, verbally and nonverbally, that attracted and comforted them (and irritated the religious leaders)?
We begin to get the answers to these questions as we focus on the second detail: the father in the story. We can think of the father as representing the God of Jesus. Notice the father, and the father's response to the sons. With the prodigal: While he was still a long way off, his father caught sight of him, and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him and kissed him…'Quickly bring the finest robe and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Take the fattened calf and slaughter it. Then let us celebrate with a feast, because this son of mine was dead, and has come to life again; he was lost, and has been found. Wow! Despite the prior rejection the father experienced, and the strong mix of emotions he must have endured while his son was away (perhaps hurt, anger, worry and anxiety about the son, shame and humiliation over the son's behavior, etc.), the father was still looking out for his boy. He still had an open heart, ready to welcome and embrace his son. How else would he have seen the son when the son was still far off? And, note the father's spontaneous response of compassion, running out to greet the boy, embracing him and celebrating his return.
And, with the elder son, we read: 'My son, you are here with me always; everything I have is yours. But now we must celebrate and rejoice, because your brother was dead and has come to life again.' Here the father has compassion with the judgmental son (and the Pharisees; and you and I). The father invites him to celebrate. The father is able to take in, and lovingly hold, what we often cannot — both the sinner and those who sit in judgment.
This is the strong message that Jesus sent to the Pharisees and scribes who complained that he welcomes sinners and eats with them: 'God welcomes what we turn away from; God embraces what we reject; God includes what we exclude; God loves what we despise.' Through this, and similar examples throughout the gospels, we recognize a core part of the message of Jesus: that the God of Jesus is unconditionally and unshakably compassionate; welcoming of all; forgiving of all; celebrating life with all. When the prodigal son, the tax collectors, the sinners, the older son, you and I, turn toward God, God is always waiting with compassion, forgiveness, and a desire to celebrate our coming home. No begging, pleading, or groveling required. No need for multiple mea culpas. No need for sacrifice, or 'earning' God's compassion, forgiveness and love through penance. No, the very essence of God is compassion with all, acceptance of all, inclusion of all. No exceptions. No kidding.
That, my friends, is some pretty good news.
