The Prodigal Son is one of the most common parables and is one of the best-known teachings from the Gospels. The story is about a son that leaves his father to live a life of dissipation while spending his future inheritance that his father provided in advance. Once he is running out of money, he is in for some hard times. With no friends, family or community members he ends up as a hired hand feeding pig.
Based on his Jewish background, feeding swine is far from being Kosher, the height of and un clean job. It’s also hard work and not the greatest smelling environment. These are all signs, he has hit rock bottom as a result of the choices he has made. The son realized just how good his former way of life was and comes to his senses. He feels he cannot return to his home as assume the same level of relationship he once had.
“Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you, I no longer deserve to called your son” Is probably the most compelling verse in this parable. It’s a message of repentance and a humble request for forgiveness. As this request is made to his earthly father and to heaven. There is an aspect of sin that is private and public. The son in this story, addresses both of these aspects.
The father comes running excitedly at the sight of his son. I remember hearing in a homily on this parable that the father’s public re-action is far from the dignified and stern persona that a Jewish father was expected to take at this time in history. The father was willing to show his excitement and risk criticism from his community.
This parable is a story of endless forgiveness, and the possibility of reconciliation one the error is realized. It is a very fitting theme for Lent, as the joy of Easter Sunday is coming closer each week now.