Saint Mary Coptic Orthodox church

Vancouver, B.C. Canada

The prodigal son

The ignorant son

This parable demonstrates clearly the love of the father who represents God. The father divided his live hood for his sons. Although he was knew that the young son want to go far but he did not deprive him from his gifts.

His prodigal son sinned to him by despising his love and going far away but the father was waiting for him ready to accept him as it is written:" And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him." (Luke 15: 20).

The Beloved Father

We notice that the father saw his son although he was still a great way off. This means that he was longing and waiting eagerly for his return or repentance. The father did not wait until his son's coming, but he had compassion, and ran and fell on his son neck and kissed him. He welcomed him and did not let him say “Make me like one of your hired servants.". He forgave him considering him as a beloved son.

The selfish proud son

The elder son was selfish and proud with himself. He was upset because his father accepted his brother and he was offended and became angry blaming his father for his love. He would not go in home. The beloved father came out to plead with him explaining his great love and to share him joy because he found his lost son. The father expressed his love to the elder saying to him: “..., Son, you are always with me, and all that I have is yours." (Luke 15:31)

Comparison

Both sons sinned to the father. The younger or the prodigal humbled and humiliated. He repented considering himself not worthy to be a son. His father accepted him and rejoiced with him as The Bible said: “I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.”(Luke 15:7).The elder did not love his father and did not consider his concern or his love toward his brother. He was selfish and he was serving only for the reward without love. So He was upset for the repentance of his brother and ultimately he stayed outside and lost his life.

How you repay his love

Our heavenly father loves us. He adopted those who believe in Him, and He called us His children. He grants us always according to His great love and richness life and every good and profitable gift.

How we react to His love and goodness?

Do we repay His love by love or by negligence? We must love Him more than anything as He said: "He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me." (Matthew 10:37)

Conclusion

This parable teach us to take heed to be near to our heavenly father aiming and hoping always to hold fast in him as it is written: “You shall walk after the Lord your God and fear Him, and keep His commandments and obey His voice; you shall serve Him and hold fast to Him." (Deuteronomy 13:4)