THE PARABLE OF THE DUTIFUL SON 

A man had two sons. The younger son said to his father, “Father, give me the share of your estate that should come to me.’ So the father divided the property between them, and the younger son set off to a distant country.

The older son was dutiful and hard-working. He knew every task on his father’s property and managed it well. He was appalled at his brother’s leaving, and yet, also somewhat relieved. He frequently complained that the father never punished his brother for his immoral behavior. He continued his obligations with his father.

Time passed. The father never ceased praying for the younger son’s safe return. In order to please his father, the older brother became determined that the year’s harvest would be the most successful ever. He drove the employees to work longer, harder hours. And still unsatisfied, he joined them in the fields.

After a strenuous day, he neared the house and heard the sound of music and dancing. Confused, he called one of the servants. The servant said to him, “Your brother has returned and your father has slaughtered the fattened calf.”

He became angry, and when he refused to enter the house, his father came out and pleaded with him. The son argued, “Look, all these years I served you, and not once did I disobey your orders. If I had left like your son, your property would be in ruins. And to learn of his arrival like this!”

The father explained, “My son, when your brother returned, I sent my fastest messenger to fetch you. And when he failed, I went out for you. You were so focused on working, that you did not see nor hear me. But no matter. I waited, and you are here with me now. You are here with me always. Everything I have is yours.”

The father wrapped an arm around his son’s shoulders. With his other hand, he gestured toward the celebration in the house, and again pleaded, “Won’t you join us?”

Susan Liem

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