I noticed a word used in the parable of the prodigal son that I should have paid more attention to. Many Bible translations say the prodigal son’s Father divided his “property” among his sons. The word translated as property is “βίον” from the word “βίος” (life, living). This word, “living” as used in this parable is very significant. “And he divided his living between them” (Luke 15:12B, NRSVCE). The prodigal son’s Father did not just share his material property; he shared his heart and soul, his DNA, his identity, his plans, et cetera, with his two sons.
All of the things that define the Father are what the younger son carried and ran away with. Here is his first sin: he severed his relationship with his Father. This is what the Father values the most because his son carries everything about him with him. From the time the son left the house, his Father was in pain no matter how he tried to cover up and find comfort elsewhere. I hear stories of children cutting off their parents for one reason or the other. Please call your parents if you are reading this and are in this category. Our heavenly Father is very hurt by the separation brought by sin. God wants to remain in union with us. This divine longing is why the sacrament of penance is very powerful—it restores our intimacy with our maker.
Next, the son squandered the “living” he got from his Father
Again, it is proper to say he squandered his “livelihood.” But let’s stay with the word “living” for a moment. The son wasted the living he received from his Father because he separated himself from the source of that life. Even if he had managed what he received from his Father very well, how long would the property have lasted for him? The consequence of separation from the source of life is death. The son almost died of hunger. Life outside of Christ is like death. A life without God lacks the fullness that God accords it. No matter how we define success, life is only meaningful when lived to the fullest. Jesus has given us access to the fullness of life in Him.
Then he came to his senses
The runaway son suddenly remembered the kind of love he had received from his father. He realized that since he separated from his Father, his “living” condition had been deteriorating to the point of needing to eat food from animals that no one dared to give him. Friends, look at this: no one will ever give you anything for free if the FATHER has not commanded it (See John 19:11). When someone is charitable to you or your cause, it is because the Lord God moved them to do what they do. When you get that nudge to pray, fast, give, share your gifts, let the other car go first, forgive, go to confession, be patient, let them finish their sentence, et cetera, it is the loving Father inviting us to keep living in His Life.
Was the Father prodigal as the son? Did he lavish his Love on an undeserving son? We are all lavishing beings. And we got that trait from our lavishing Father, who lavishes his endless Love on us all, who are undeserving of His goodness, mercy, and Love.
May this Lenten season’s grace help us return to the Father who deserves our love and help us lavish this love upon one another in Jesus’s name. Amen!
