“… look, I have slaved for you all these years. Never have I disobeyed your orders. Yet you have never given me even a young goat to celebrate with my friends” v.29.
“… after squandering your property with harlots, you killed the fattened calf” v.30.
What do you think, whom amongst the two sons was more prodigal, the elder or the younger? They were both prodigal. The younger went out physically and the elder followed but in spirit. If not how did he knew the class of persons (harlots) his brother squandered his money with? So he went the whole yard – “guilty as sin.”
The elder was in my opinion more prodigal. We hardly pay any attention to his attitude when we reflect on this parable. The younger was able to shake off his mistake, was remorseful and made a return but not him – he was still out there wounded and in unnecessary pains. He held tenaciously in his heart the (forgiven) evils of his brother’s actions; and even refused to join in the joy of the family.
Stupid judgmental pride I would say. How dare would they celebrate one who messed up and I the ‘righteous one’ who never made a wrong turn was not. Does his action seem familiar? In one way or the other we all have found ourselves on this playing field and unfortunately majority of us if not all are still there.
Two thing here I would say counted against him, his perception of his father: “… I know that you are an exacting man. You reap what you have not sown and gather where you have not scattered. So I was afraid….” (cf. Mt. 25:24-25) and as such obeyed to the letter all orders (cf. Lk. 15:29); and the home – a judgmental environment that was very partial – they even killed the fattened calf for a wayward son (cf. v.30). Wao!!! So he had eyes on the animal before.
How often have you and are still allowing judgmental pride to keep you off from the loving mercy of God all because here and now perceived and weak Christians are basking in glory and you are not?
Why not change your perception of God today, look onto him and waste your precious time and energy on the faults of others. Though difficult and challenging but very possible; why not try call on him today and be saved.
My agonizing saviour help me to realize that my judgmental attitudinal pride only succeeds in removing and driving me very far from your loving mercy. Help me with your grace to let go and focus more on you my wounded healer. Amen.
Pray today with the song “I need thee every hour”; Ps. 16&121 and with St. Pio’s “Stay with me, Lord.” Study the 22nd chapter of the book of the prophet Jeremiah.
SHEPHERD ME O LORD, BEYOND MY STRENGTH.
By Fr. Charles Emore