There are three significant characters in the parable. The loving father, the son who chose to be away from the father and the seemingly devoted son. Asking for a share while the father was alive was the highest and cruelest insult to the father in those days. Alienation from the father occurred even before they were separated geographically. Alienation from God occurs in our mind. Our attitudes and consequent decisions separate us from God even before our actions cancel our bond with Him.

Once the son separates himself from the father he fell into extravagant way of life. Prodigal is defined as “ wasteful , extravagant and improvident man”; The son squandered what he received from his father. He squandered his wealth in wild living then, “began to be in need.” Once we choose to be away from God we cease to be wise stewards of what God has given us and succumb to the temptation of unwise management of our time, talents and treasure.. And obviously we get depleted spiritually and otherwise. Without God we squander our resources and energies until we are void and empty. When the younger son found himself in the state of self-induced misery and agony, he was even willing to eat the food he was giving to the pigs. He who could have continued as a commanding master descended to the status of cringing menial. When we remain in a place of alienation from God, we descend into futility, darkness, and humiliation.

When he came to his sense, he realized his folly and decided to be restored. Remedy comes when the actual condition is recognized. Once we become aware of our sinful state and the need to resort to a remedy, restoration is at hand. Even in our normal life if we recognize our weakness we will seek the strength of God and can easily overcome it. If Moses had identified that anger was his weakness even at the early stage when he killed the Egyptian he would not have hit the rock in his impatient mood. Luckily, when the younger son hit the rock bottom he realized his folly, acknowledged the forgiving love of his father and sought to be reinstated in his favour. When we also realize the futility of our efforts we need to leave the pig-sty, sinful and stinking existence and reach towards God’s acceptance and forgiveness. The very moment we decide in our mind to do this, we will be delivered.

The older boy who appeared to be duty-conscious and obedient was far away from his father though he lived in the same house. He was isolated in his attitude. He was not able to respond to the desires of his father. A son who failed to fulfill the father’s expectations could not part take of the joy and celebration in his father’s house. He stood outside while the noisy and joyful banquet was enjoyed by all. Our failure to do the will of God will make us aliens in our Father’s house. Knowing that the father missed the lost son, he never tried to find the son. Neither was he prepared to receive the penitent brother. Unforgiving hatred and lack of acceptance can make us strangers to God and His children.

Dr. (Mrs.) Edriana Jeyasingh