Jesus’ critics could identify with a common but wrong-headed proverb: "There is joy before God when those who provoke him perish from the world." The point of the three parables in Lk 15 is that God’s true joy is found in forgiving. Many "religious" people, in their self-righteousness, tend to dole out forgiveness sparingly, and then only if paid for in the blood of humiliation. Jesus affirmed that this is not the way with God — he loves sinners and searches them out and rejoices at their return — nor may it be with us.

The traditional title of this parable, "The Prodigal Son," distorts its meaning. Considering the attitude of the hearers (vv 1-3), it more pointedly portrays the older son as their mirror image in contrast to the love shown by the father. The joyful and lavish banquet is an image of the eternal, and the response of the elder son should give us pause. Even though he felt he had earned the banquet as a faithful family member, in the moment of truth he cut himself off by his own resentment of the treatment given the younger son. Even though the father went out to plead with him, the elder son created his own bitter hell by his refusal to take part in the joy of forgiveness. Note that the father did not take sides, and he affirmed his love for both sons equally. But by his refusal of the father’s love, the elder brother showed himself more lost than the younger ever was.

The events surrounding the entry of the people of Israel into the land of promise, recounted in Jos 3-5, may not be as famous or as striking as the passage through the Red Sea and the covenant as told in the book of Exodus, but in many ways they are of equal significance. The passage through the water of the Jordan marks a decisive transition, the covenant is renewed in the circumcision rite, and the passover banquet is celebrated as the sign of new independence in their own land.

Forty years in the desert was a period of cleansing and strengthening under the Lord’s direct nourishment — manna. Now they had achieved maturity, able to settle on their own land (even if much of it remained to be conquered!) and produce their own sustenance. Henceforth, the sign of the Lord’s providence would not be direct gifts but the fruitfulness of the work of their hands. This passover meal was the sign of the dawn of a new age.

The experience of God’s goodness, especially his protection of those faithful to him, inspired this song of confidence. Response: "Taste and see the goodness of the Lord."

The dilemma of those who realize their sinfulness and sincerely want to repent is similar to that of the young son reduced to eating pig’s fodder, and desiring to return home. Can one be sure of acceptance? Ultimately, repentance demands an act of trust — a trust founded on Christ. We do not have to hope that God will change his mind about us. Our minds are in need of change to accept the God who has already extended his arms to embrace us.

1. Reflect on the effect of forgiveness — or lack of forgiveness — in your own life.

2. How does your concept of God’s justice square with the picture of God’s mercy presented in these readings?