We are the lost ones whether we are the prodigal one or the rebellious one because the younger daughter will be lost in sin and the older son will be lost in self-righteousness. The younger daughter obsesses on her mistakes, allowing it to hold her tighter and tighter. The older son obsesses on his righteousness, allowing it to make him compare more and more. It is the same that we are attached to our past sins and mistakes like the younger daughter. This makes us feel guilty and keeps us from joy. We are also attached to our own work and profit like the older son. This makes us resentful, bitter and envious and alienates us from the simple joy.
The father represents the self-giving love of God. The father filled with compassion knows the hearts of both lost ones. When the younger daughter turns and moves toward the father, the compassion moves the father so completely that he runs, embraces, and kisses. When the older son refuses to come in home, the compassion makes the father go out to plead with him. When humans turn back to God, divine love goes out and meets them more than halfway. The running father is the symbol of divine grace. Celebration is just the natural overflow of divine love.
However, we don’t know in the story whether the younger daughter rejoices with the father or the older son enters home with the father. I believe that we are the ones who could make a different story. The revelation of God as grace should make us rejoice. Given the nature of God who finds the lost and brings the dead back to life, it is something necessary. The father says, “We must celebrate and rejoice.” And St. Paul assures that God is reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting our trespasses. “Whoever is in Christ is a new creation; the old things have passed away; behold, new things have come.” We are the new ones in God’s embrace. Why do we hesitate to come back home or stand outside? Why do we obsess with our mistakes or our resentment? “My son and daughter, you are here with me always; everything I have is yours. We must celebrate and rejoice.” Can you hear the sound of music and dancing? It is time to celebrate and rejoice!