In learning from the Gospel this Sunday (Luke 15:1-3, 11-32), let the family consider first the setting (v. 1-3). Of course, the disciples were with Jesus when the Pharisees and the teachers of Law grumbled about Jesus welcoming and eating with sinners. The disciples must have recalled a similar earlier incident when some Pharisees and teachers of Law already complained to them and Jesus answered:

"The doctor is not for the healthy; it is the sick who need him. I have come to call to repentance; I call sinners, not the righteous." (Luke 5:31-32)

          The parable that was cited in the Gospel this Sunday is the third of these parables of Jesus.

          Read it first to the family and then relate it again in your own words so that everyone will understand the parable.

          After understanding the parable, focus on the conversion process of the prodigal son – how he looked to see, listened to hear and understand, turned to God and be healed, how he was restored to his former dignity as a son.

          Then, focus your attention to the elder son – how he failed to undergo the conversion process. After the explanation of the father, do you think he could have gone inside and joined the celebration? Would you in his place?

          Finally, focus on the father – what he did as it was related by Jesus, his compassion for a lost son, his joy in finding him, his concern for the elder son, and his forgiveness.

Prayer and Reflection ~

          Lead the family into a silent reflection for a few minutes on the loving words of the Father:

          "You are always here with me, and everything I have is yours."

• Have I looked and failed to see God's compassion in my life?


• Did I fail to listen and hear His voice when I was lost and He was looking for me?


• Am I as righteous as the "elder son" that I failed to look and listen?

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