Lost and Found

09-15-2019Weekly ReflectionFather Prince Raja

In this Gospel passage of today Luke has put together three parables all stressing the dynamic of lost and found. The point the evangelist is making in each case is the generous willingness God demonstrates in accepting back the repentant sinner. In the first parable the repentant sinner is symbolized in the lost sheep. The second parable focuses on the lost coin. The third parable presents a younger son and an elder son both of whom are lost. Luke makes it clear in each case, whether the man or the woman or the father, who assertively go after what is lost until found.

Usually in stories and movies, there are three types of main characters: the hero and/or the heroin – the protagonist, around whom the story revolves; there is the anti-hero – the antagonist who creates a conflict which the hero attempts to resolve; and the supporting characters, who contribute to the events that lead up to the conflict.

In the parable of today, there are clearly three main characters: the elder son, the younger son, and the father. Who do you think is the hero, who is the anti-hero, and who is the supporting character? Often this story is called the parable of 'the prodigal son,' creating the impression that the younger son, who "left for a distant country" (Lk 15:13), is the hero of the story. Some suggest that this story be called, the parable of "the prodigal father" or "the parable of the good boy and the bad boy". These seem meaningful. Most versions of the Bible entitle this story as "the parable of the lost son" (GNB, NIV) – suggesting that even the elder boy could be the lost son. To resolve this dilemma, I think, we should look at the whole chapter 15 of the Gospel of Luke.

Luke does not tell us what actually happened at the end of the story in today's gospel. Did the elder son actually go in to join his brother and celebrate? Or did he decide to go on with his life, fulfilling 'duties'? In the Gospels, celebration is also a symbol of the Kingdom of God- 'heaven'! Would I be willing to share in the celebration thrown open by the Heavenly Father, even if that would mean, I will find myself in the company of those who squandered their time in loose living? The message is abundantly clear: God loves everyone and wishes them to turn to him.

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