Dives in Misericordia: “The Parable of the prodigal Son” (6, continued)

Chapter 6 of “Dives in Misericordia” (“Rich in Mercy”) is entitled “Particular Concentration on Human Dignity.” It continues as follows:

“6. . . . The father's fidelity to himself – a trait already known by the Old Testament term hesed – is at the same time expressed in a manner particularly charged with affection. We read, in fact, that when the father saw the prodigal son returning home ‘he had compassion, ran to meet him, threw his arms around his neck and kissed him.’⁶⁴ He certainly does this under the influence of a deep affection, and this also explains his generosity towards his son, that generosity which so angers the elder son. Nevertheless, the causes of this emotion are to be sought at a deeper level. Notice, the father is aware that a fundamental good has been saved: the good of his son’s humanity. Although the son has squandered the inheritance, nevertheless his humanity is saved. Indeed, it has been, in a way, found again. The father’s words to the elder son reveal this: ‘It was fitting to make merry and be glad, for this your brother was dead and is alive; he was lost and is found.’⁶⁵ In the same chapter fifteen of Luke’s Gospel, we read the parable of the sheep that was found⁶⁶ and then the parable of the coin that was found.⁶⁷ Each time there is an emphasis on the same joy that is present in the case of the prodigal son. The father’s fidelity to himself is totally concentrated upon the humanity of the lost son, upon his dignity. This explains above all his joyous emotion at the moment of the son’s return home.”

64. Luke 15:20.
65. Luke 15:32.
66. Cf. Luke 15:3-6.
67. Cf. Luke 15:8-9.

 

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Pope John Paul II: “Dives in Misericordia”