Dives in Misericordia: “The Parable of the Prodigal Son” (5, continued)

Chapter 5 of “Dives in Misericordia” (“Rich in Mercy”) is entitled “An Analogy.” It continues as follows:

“5. . . . In the teaching of Christ Himself, this image inherited from the Old Testament becomes at the same time simpler and more profound. This is perhaps most evident in the parable of the prodigal son.⁶² Although the word ‘mercy’ does not appear, it nevertheless expresses the essence of the divine mercy in a particularly clear way. This is due not so much to the terminology, as in the Old Testament books, as to the analogy that enables us to understand more fully the very mystery of mercy, as a profound drama played out between the father's love and the prodigality and sin of the son.”

62. Cf. Luke 15:14-32.

 

To access the complete document, please visit:

Pope John Paul II: “Dives in Misericordia”