The Older Brother

As we conclude our time in the parable of the prodigal son, we encounter the older brother and observe his reaction to his younger brother’s return. His stubborn anger teaches us about the darkness of our own hearts, and the love of the father towards both sons reveals the heart of our Heavenly Father, a heart that desires for both the religious and licentious to turn from their pride and their selfish desires and towards the love and light of celebration, freedom, and forgiveness. We too are called to forsake our wanderings and our hardened hearts and to turn to Jesus, who heals, forgives, and welcomes us into celebrating our transformation from death to life.