There are many things to learn about God’s love for sinners in this parable, even in the elder brother’s life. He is angry that his father never gives him even a goat to celebrate with his friends despite his hard work.
It is evident by his words upon his younger brother’s return that he forgets to show love and respect to his father. He focuses on himself and is so overwhelmed with anger that he cannot enjoy the reunion with his family. He fails to recognise and understand the grace of God and the importance of forgiveness.
— Emmy Alimboyong
The older son in the parable seems to think of law, merit and reward rather than love. He is a loyal and ‘obedient’ son but lacks the virtues of humility and generosity. We might also display the same attitude as the elder son from time to time. Jealousy makes our thinking negative. Here Jesus used this parable to show the merciful side of our heavenly father and his readiness to forgive us if we genuinely repent. On the other hand, we should look at situations with the eyes of love.
— Marcela Baoy
While the elder brother works very hard, he does them without love, expecting a return for what he has done. His jealousy and envy have made it hard for him to forgive. Moreover, he cannot admit that he, too was lost and needed forgiveness. We may have felt the same way in our lives at one point. We are hurt when we are not given credit. This is natural, but we should not let jealousy or envy affect our relationship with others. On the other hand, we can set our minds on a better outlook and think positively.
— Rel Bercero
We often work or do good for a possible reward that comes with it; the more we do good, the more rewards we may expect. This desire leads to greed and pride as we become more selfish. Instead, we must learn to be humble and content with what we have. We will become more considerate, appreciative and happy if we can see the good in others.
— Josephine Caliston
As we celebrate the 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines. The Chaplaincy to Filipino Migrants organises an on-line talk every Tuesday at 9.00pm. You can join us at:
https://www.Facebook.com/CFM-Gifted-to-give-101039001847033
We may all feel the same way in life – jealous, upset and overwhelmed. The elder son wants to hear some appreciation, to feel that he is loved and needed. In the end, he was blinded by jealousy, exhaustion, and self-pity.
A few words of appreciation can inspire us to be more optimistic about life. Not all people are confident enough to see that they are loved and appreciated, and some easily feel rejected. We need to give them some time to calm down so they can think better.
— Alma De Los Reyes
The elder son remains on his father’s side, working very hard, hoping to be rewarded and recognised. He cannot accept his brother’s return; his anger and pride make him lose his focus on the real essence of love.
— Luna Duray
The older son was jealous when his father celebrated the coming back of his younger son. We are often jealous or envious because of others’ blessings, not knowing that we are also blessed.
Sometimes we do not realise that we have everything from our heavenly Father, but we fail to enjoy the blessings because we are busy working for more.
The elder son also thinks he is righteous, but his brother is not. Many people, similarly, think they are better than others.
— Reyward Gandeza
The elder son was a hard worker trying to earn his father’s love. His heart was occupied by anger and jealousy towards his younger brother. We can become blinded by such negative thoughts that we cannot see our father’s goodness and love.
— Liza Lingayo
