Today’s Gospel: Return of the Prodigal Son. We typically focus on the prodigal and his father’s gracious mercy—but neglect the context. To those who are complaining that Jesus “welcomes sinners and eats with them” he “addressed this parable.” Their counterpart is the elder son.
Conversation
Thus, the story is certainly about God’s mercy, but it is specifically directed at “good religious people” who are scandalized by the idea of such love and mercy. Their number is legion. (Art: Sieger Koder)
Those we call pharasees were the religous elite of Israel in that time as many of us are today. We should direct our interest more to the side Jesus aimed at.