In many public places, the decor of the waiting-rooms displays some works of art: it can be paintings, sculptures, framed texts, etc.
It is always interesting to look at such pieces and to look also at the titles given to these items.
More than once, I have observed that, surprisingly, the name given to the art works does not correspond to the subject matter of the exhibits. It simply does not reflect what is shown!
Strangely enough, I have the same feeling with the gospel story of this 4th Sunday of Lent (year C): the parable of the Prodigal Son (Lk.15:11-32).
To me, the title should be: The Prodigal FATHER.
In Jesus’ story it is not the son who is prodigal but the father!
It is indeed the father who is giving, and giving again, to his undeserving son, and forgiving him without questioning.
The attitude of someone prodigal is that of a person giving lavishly, over-abundantly, not measuring, not keeping count, piling up good things on a loved one. Such giving, giving with such profusion, some people would qualify of… extravagance!
This was the father’s way:
– giving in to the son who wanted his inheritance there and then;
– keeping hope that the ‘lost’ son will return one day;
– watching the horizon to see if he is not on the way;
– welcoming him back with deep joy;
– no questioning, no checking on what happened, where the son went, how he spent the money and with whom – nothing of the sort: only a warm embrace that restores the son to his right place near the father, no matter the indignation and the recrimination of the other son.
I must admit that… I have never met such a father among the people I live with and those I meet wherever I go.
But… I can say that I have met one – the very One Jesus told us about – who gives more than can ever be expected, or hoped for…
No matter how far we have strayed, no matter how mean and selfish we have shown ourselves to be: an overwhelming welcome is given to us, day after day, after day….
I know from experience what ‘prodigality’ is – God’s own, I mean!