Comments on: Saturday, Second Week of Lent

By: redemptoristpreacher

redemptoristpreacher — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 16:05:09 +0000

Just back from mass and as I proclaimed the Gospel I had Victor’s question at the back of my mind. Why would the parable add this ominous sidebar about a jealous brother? I think it had to be for the benefit of the Pharisees and those standing around. The happy ending was for the Tax Collectors, the difficult ending was for the Pharisees and those who were grumbling. Two audiences, one parable. Very sneaky.

By: redemptoristpreacher

redemptoristpreacher — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 14:37:04 +0000

Good Morning Victor
Yes, of course you are right. When choosing between a heartfelt reunion between father and son and a jealous, vindictive brother I suspect most preachers will tend toward the happy ending. Maybe we shouldn’t let ourselves off the hook so easily. There are many unusual twists in the parables and this one needs to be explored…next time : )
Have a great day.

By: Victor S E Moubarak

Victor S E Moubarak — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 13:41:13 +0000

I agree with you; there are many good lessons in this parable. What is never properly explained though is the treatment received by the second son. The one who stayed at home, obeyed his father, worked hard and; in comparison has not been “rewarded” as much for his faithfulness.

I’m sure his father loves him as much as his other son. But you can understand his feelings.

I never understood why Jesus mentions the feelings of the second son in His parable. He could have stopped the story at the reunion and feasting. But He went on about the second son being hurt and resentful.

No priest I’ve known has explained this fully.

God bless you.