4th Lent, Year C | The Prodigal Son

The parable of the “Prodigal Son” does not stand alone. It is framed by the opening verses of the chapter and the parables which come before. One must always keep in mind that the three parables (Lost Sheep, Lost Coin, and the Prodigal Son) are told in response to the complaint that Jesus welcomes and eats with “tax collectors and sinners.” The former being traitors to their religious family and the latter already standing condemned by the Laws of the family. They are people “outside the camp” – they are lost.

In the first parable when the lost sheep is found the shepherd invites others to “Rejoice with me.” (Lk 15:6). Jesus notes that there is “joy in heaven” (v.7) because – not that one was found – but that the lost one repented. In the second parable the woman invites others to rejoice with her because she has found the lost coin. Again, Jesus notes “there will be rejoicing among the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” (v.10) Again the focus is on repentance.

What is different about the third parable is that the dynamic is no longer property, but family.

There is a lot to unpack in these verses, so grab your favorite beverage and take some time on the back porch.

Full Text of the Sunday Readings
Detailed Commentary on the Gospel