Mar
14
2020
By Anonymous (not verified)
The tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near
to listen to him ... . - Lk 15:1
As with yesterday's Gospel reading, it's helpful for us to notice what leads to the parables Jesus tells. In this case, we know from the previous chapter that Jesus was at the home of one of the leading Pharisees, among people who were observing Him carefully (see Lk 14:1). Great crowds were traveling with Jesus (see Lk 14:25). Sometimes He addresses the crowds, sometimes the Pharisees.
We see tax collectors and sinner are "all drawing near to listen to Jesus" (Lk 15:1). Now the Pharisees and scribes complain, "This man welcomes sinners and eats with them" (Lk 15:2). The Pharisees certainly expect they are more deserving of the Father's love.
And so, Jesus addresses the Pharisees with the Parable of the Prodigal Son, the great allegory of God's mercy to repentant sinners - much like the tax collectors and sinners who were "drawing near" to listen to Jesus.
The older son in the parable complains to his father that he has been a faithful son while the other squandered his money. The story ends with this older son left to decide if he will join the party and share his father's joy. The Pharisees, however, have already made up their minds. They don't care if Jesus helps others repent and come home to the Heavenly Father. They have been - and still are - plotting to kill Him.
Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for every soul You rescue!
See all meditations to date
to listen to him ... . - Lk 15:1
As with yesterday's Gospel reading, it's helpful for us to notice what leads to the parables Jesus tells. In this case, we know from the previous chapter that Jesus was at the home of one of the leading Pharisees, among people who were observing Him carefully (see Lk 14:1). Great crowds were traveling with Jesus (see Lk 14:25). Sometimes He addresses the crowds, sometimes the Pharisees.
We see tax collectors and sinner are "all drawing near to listen to Jesus" (Lk 15:1). Now the Pharisees and scribes complain, "This man welcomes sinners and eats with them" (Lk 15:2). The Pharisees certainly expect they are more deserving of the Father's love.
And so, Jesus addresses the Pharisees with the Parable of the Prodigal Son, the great allegory of God's mercy to repentant sinners - much like the tax collectors and sinners who were "drawing near" to listen to Jesus.
The older son in the parable complains to his father that he has been a faithful son while the other squandered his money. The story ends with this older son left to decide if he will join the party and share his father's joy. The Pharisees, however, have already made up their minds. They don't care if Jesus helps others repent and come home to the Heavenly Father. They have been - and still are - plotting to kill Him.
Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for every soul You rescue!
See all meditations to date
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