The primary passage for the Gospel reading this Sunday is a very familiar one — the Parable of the Prodigal Son.
So many people have looked at this story from almost every angle — the mercy of the father, the thanklessness and repentance of the prodigal, and the rigid lack of forgiveness on the part of the elder son. It’s easy to put ourselves in the place of either son — perhaps at different times of our lives. It’s easy to see the love of God in the attitude of the father.
So, let’s take a look from a different angle. Notice v. 26-27. What about the perspective of the slave or servant of the household? What is going through his/her mind? We also have plenty of times in our lives when we see the joy, anger, suffering, or hope of others. So, for a change of pace this Sunday, try to imagine this parable from the servant’s point of view.
See what happens.