Judgment in the Parable of the Prodigal Son?

The two parables in yesterday’s and today’s gospel readings are so surprising. After the shepherd returns with the lost sheep he celebrates with his friends rather than stewing about how the stupid sheep ruined his day. Then comes the parable of the prodigal son. At the end the prodigal son’s father throws him a party. Really? Personally, I get where the older son is coming from (being the oldest of 6 myself). It’s one thing for the father to allow the younger son to come home; it’s more of a stretch to welcome the prodigal with open arms. But throw him a party? That’s what you do for sons (or daughters) who’ve been away fighting wars or serving in the Peace Corp. That’s not something you do for a son who’s partied half the family’s wealth away.

So where’s the judgment?

Counting the Cost

I find it interesting to reflect on Jesus’ words in today’s gospel reading against the backdrop of Veterans Day as well as the 100th anniversary of  the World War I armistice on November 11.

World War I was to be the war that ended all wars. Jesus talked about creating a new world. In fact, he announced that it was already breaking in. He “enlisted” disciples to join him in announcing and ushering in his kingdom. He called them his followers.

But there other “followers” as well. These were more like his fans. They traveled with Jesus because he was an exciting guy to be around and they were curious to see what he was going to do.