In the wonderful parable of the Prodigal Son, there are three people - the wayward younger son, the father and the elder son. The younger son has been totally self-centred, has led a completely immoral life and inevitably finds himself on the scrapheap of life. Only then does he realise what he has done and decides to return fully repentant to his father, while feeling he deserves heavy punishment. But the father has only one thought - to have his son back. When he does return, the red carpet is laid out for him. The elder son, however, is so angry at this outrageous treatment of his womanising brother who has brought shame on the family that he refuses to go into his father's house. The elder brother, of course, represents those Scribes and Pharisees who are shocked at Jesus socialising with sinners and outcasts. They too will not enter the house of Jesus' Father. It is a fact that most people who reflect on this parable find themselves more like the judgemental elder son. What about me? Am I compassionate? Or do I gossip about other's sinful behaviouir?