Luke 15:25-32 NRSVue
25“Now his elder son was in the field, and as he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing. 26He called one of the slaves and asked what was going on. 27He replied, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf because he has got him back safe and sound.’ 28Then he became angry and refused to go in. His father came out and began to plead with him. 29But he answered his father, ‘Listen! For all these years I have been working like a slave for you, and I have never disobeyed your command, yet you have never given me even a young goat so that I might celebrate with my friends. 30But when this son of yours came back, who has devoured your assets with prostitutes, you killed the fatted calf for him!’ 31Then the father said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. 32But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has been found.’ ”
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Further reflection
Maybe the older son reminds me of people I know who are distracted from what is good by judging others things better; I know that I am like this sometimes. I ask God to help me to appreciate my relationships and the gifts I have been given.
The older son had fallen out of familiarity with the ways of his father; he served him faithfully but did not know his heart. God invites me to keep my prayer time as a time when we converse heart to heart, growing in love and knowledge of one another. Even a good habit can become empty.