Two Brothers and Their Good Father

Fourth Sunday of Lent - Year C

Joshua 5:9a, 10-12; Psalm 34:2-7,9a; 2 Corinthians 5:17-21; Luke 15:1-3, 11-32

After four hundred years of slavery and forty years of wandering, Israel, at last, arrived ‘home’, to the promised land. “Today I have removed the reproach of Egypt from you” (Josh. 5:9). Today also the younger brother comes back home and the shame of his slavery is removed as well (Luke 15:22). “The old things have passed away” (2 Cor. 5:17). The Israelites celebrate their first Passover since they left Egypt and eat the fruits of the land. The younger son joins the homecoming party prepared for him by his father and can finally eat to his heart’s content. “Behold, new things have come” (2 Cor. 5:17). But, there is a problem. He has an older brother who does not want to share that festive meal.

"A man had two sons" (Luke 15:11), the Pharisees and scribes - the older son, and the tax collectors and sinners - the younger son. The theme of two brothers is present on the pages of the Holy Scriptures from the beginning: Cain and Abel, Ishmael and Isaac, Esau and Jacob. We see this motif in the story of Joseph and his brothers as well. Jealousy and hatred nearly tore the family of Jacob apart. Unfortunately, we face the same problem in our families, communities, churches, nations, and the world.

The younger brother asks for his inheritance while his father is still alive, which in view of some scholars implies a wish that the father was dead. What could lead him to such a decision? He gets what he wants and "goes to a distant country" (Luke 15:13). Free at last. But free from what? His pseudo-freedom ends tragically - both his inheritance and his dignity are lost. Unfortunately, many have followed his example.

Do we prefer the freedom of God's children or the slavery of life without God? His decision of coming home begins with coming to his senses (Luke 15:17) and his journey home is compared to resurrection (Luke 15:20). He is ready to confess his sin and face the consequences of his choice (Luke 15:18-19). Will the twenty-first-century man follow this example? Jesus stuns us by describing the behavior of the father. Upon seeing his son, he is moved with compassion, he runs to him, falls on his neck, and fervently kisses him (Luke 15:20). Then, he restores his son's lost filial dignity and celebrates his homecoming with a feast. It is indeed good news for all sinners who are still in “a distant country” far from God.

Now, the elder brother sees things differently. He compares his years of obedient service to his brother’s sinful past. "Look, all these years I served you and not once did I disobey your orders" (Luke 15:29). The father does not question his son’s loyalty. He even assures him: “My son, you are here with me always; everything I have is yours"(Luke 15:31). But, his younger brother is also his father’s son and the father loves them both. Will the older brother join the celebration and welcome his lost younger brother home?

The purpose of this parable was to move the hearts of the Pharisees and scribes. It explains Jesus’ compassionate attitude towards sinners. By the way, Jesus acts, He reveals the Father (see Col. 1:15). This revelation of God’s love for sinners reaches its highest point at the Cross: “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom. 5:8, 2 Cor. 5:18-21).

Did the Pharisees hear Jesus’ pleading and join their ‘younger brother’ homecoming party? One did. His name was Saul of Tarsus, who considering himself blameless according to the law was persecuting the followers of Christ (Phil 3:6). But then, he experienced the newness of life by embracing his brothers and sisters those he persecuted. Today known as Saint Paul and the apostle to the Gentiles, he pleads with all of us: “We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God” (2 Cor. 5:20). Will we answer this plea?