Working with the Word

Focusing the Gospel

Key words and phrases: squandered his inheritance, dying from hunger, treat me as ... hired workers, father ... filled with compassion, come to life again

To the point: This parable is a familiar one and is often referred to as the parable of the prodigal son. On the one hand, the younger son is prodigal when he prodigiously squanders his inheritance. On the other hand, the real prodigality of the son lay in that he loved his life enough to swallow his pride, return home, and throw himself on the mercy of his father. The father, too, is prodigal: he welcomes him as son (not hired worker), clothes him in the !nest array, and throws a lavish feast. He gave him new life. This is the most prodigal act possible: to give new life.

Connecting the Gospel…

… to the First Reading: Paul reinforces what the gospel parable points to: sureness in the Father's prodigiousness—“new things have come.” As the younger son is reconciled with his father, we are all reconciled to God “through Christ.”

… to experience: Good parents spare nothing for the sake of their children. Sometimes they are prodigious even beyond their means. How much more so is our loving Father prodigious with us!

**From Saint Louis University