The Parable of the Prodigal Son

This meditation is based on a passage for November 11, 2010 in the Daily Lectionary Year 2 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).

Text: Luke 15:1-2, 11-32

Reflection and Question: On Monday we considered the story found only in Matthew about the laborers who were paid for the day no matter how long they worked. Today, Jesus’ story of the prodigal son recorded only in Luke supports the same moral. God welcomes the latecomer and those who have left but then return. And in both stories, the “good ones”—like those who worked all day or the son who never left—grumble at God’s welcoming heart, forgetting that what the father in the story says is true: all God’s love is yours too. Who do you identify with here and what do you take from this story?

Prayer: God of all creation, we know that Jesus is speaking of You as He tells this story of the father who receives with a banquet the son who has shown him no respect. Help us to remember that this compassionate welcome is Yours to us as well. Amen.