Who and when

Today’s Gospel presents the wonderful parable of the Prodigal Son (Lk 15).

Who are we more like?

Are we like the young man?

• When he is running away from his father?
• When he is immersing himself in hedonism?
• When he experiences emptiness, regret, and despair?
• When he resolves to make the hard, long journey back?
• When he throws himself at his father’s feet in deepest penitence?

Are we like the father?

• When he is on the lookout for his wayward loved one?
• When he embraces his repentant son with forgiveness and love?

Are like the older son?

• When he is working diligently and faithfully in his father’s fields?
• When he is angry and resentful of repentant sinners enjoying forgiveness?
• When he (I presume) enters into the feast of joy with his father and brother?

As the first reading says (Micah 7:18-19a):

...the God who removes guilt
and pardons sin
for the remnant of his inheritance;
Who does not persist in anger forever,
but delights rather in clemency,
And will again have compassion on us…