The father in this parable is waiting for his son’s return. How long has he been watching the horizon for a glimpse of his returning son? Days, weeks, months? How he must have missed him and prayed for his safe return.
When he spots his son, he cannot contain his excitement and rushes to greet him. He forgets all decorum and the
limitations of his aging body, running to him without hesitation. Nothing will stop him. Upon reaching his son, he hugs him tightly and kisses him, even though he probably hasn’t bathed or washed his clothes after being with the pigs. The father doesn’t care about this; he is so pleased to see him.
It doesn’t end there. The father lavishes new clothes on his son. He puts a ring on his finger and orders a great feast. All signs of love,
welcome and belonging. In these excesses, perhaps we can now call him the prodigal father.
This is a beautiful analogy of God’s love for us. When we go astray, God waits for us, scanning the horizon for our return. He greets us with warmth and great affection. He celebrates our return.
Even if we have experienced the ‘loss’ of a family member or friend to something we do not
believe in, or a disagreement, we want to welcome them back. Our humanity, though, always sets out conditions for their return. Not so with God.
Can I envision the delight and welcome of God, my father or God, my mother, when I return after having gone adrift?
Reflections by Ursula van Nierop
