In today's Gospel we notice the two different kinds of people who follow Jesus. On the one hand the tax collectors and sinners who are sincere in their search and want to listen to Jesus. On the other hand we have the Scribes and Pharisees who could not accept that Jesus would sit down to eat with such people. The parable Jesus puts before them answers their question if they have ears to hear.

Jesus welcomes back the prodigal son who has wasted all his father gave him, who has been involved in all sorts of unacceptable behaviour until he has nothing left and is empty and hungry. We see the welcome the father gives him and the outpouring of love. He welcomes him back, not as a servant but as a beloved son and lavishes more gifts on him.

The older son finds it hard to accept this. He is somewhat like the scribes and Pharisees. He feels he himself has never offended his father yet his father has never had a party for him. But the father also reaches out to the elder son in a loving response " My son, you are with me always and all I have is yours" The Father's love is unconditional and reaches out to all who open their hearts to receive it.

Today as I reflect on this Gospel reading I can place myself in the story and see which of the two I can identify with. Wherever I stand I can hear again God's invitation to me.