Wherever Jesus went, he was accompanied by some not-so-desirable followers: tax-collectors, lepers, sinners, men and women with some rather questionable histories and reputations. And to everyone's surprise, and even disgust, Jesus welcomed them, he ate with them. Many grumbled and complained about it. How can he be “holy” and “righteous” and do this? And Jesus responds with some incredible parables.

Today we read from chapter 15 in Luke’s Gospel. This chapter actually has three stories where the central figure associates with, even seeks out, the lost, the insignificant, the forgotten. In the first story, a shepherd desperately searches, until the one lost lamb is found. In another story, a woman turns over everything in her house, to find one small coin. And today’s gospel, a father forgives and brings his lost son back into the family. Each of these characters represents GOD. And, through them, we come to know a bit more about God, and experience God's persistence and caring. We come to know how consistently and passionately God wants each one of us.

As I said last week, Lent is a time we examine our lives. And the readings and liturgies are frequently addressing themes of repentance and forgiveness. Certainly, we need to look at how I forgive others. But, the parable of the two sons and their father should raise a question in our minds as we gather around this Eucharistic table: Do I accept God as One who forgives me, personally?

Forgiving, being forgiven, reaching out to another who as hurt us, or who we've hurt, brings us together, puts our differences into perspective and makes us whole again (communion: common union). I think most of us here in some way have experienced both forgiveness and alienation. That's what the Gospel is talking about today.

But, perhaps, most important is this idea that a MEAL is central to being reconciled. The first instinct of the father, once he sees his son, is to have a meal, a meal like we share here each Sunday. That's one of the reasons the church gives us this gospel during Lent: to remind us that EUCHARIST is the primary sacrament of forgiveness. Each of us knows the pain of alienation--the times we sin, we separate ourselves from the love of God. And like the father in this parable, when this happens, our God sees us, runs up to us, and invites us to a meal to be reconciled. Many of us understand what it's like to be that younger, prodigal son. We know our shortcomings and failures, and yet God keeps asking us, come back. It is incredible how much God loves us.

But, I think if we examine this gospel, many of us also identify with the older brother. I understand his hurt, disappointment, anger, questions. This younger brother was a scoundrel! The older brother was a good guy, does his work, is loyal, trustworthy. But you see, God does not measure sins, only the willingness to repent. God constantly welcomes us back no matter where we have been, or what we have done.

We are, all of us, welcomed home to God's house this Lent. But will you accept this invitation? Whether you are like the older, obedient son, or the younger prodigal son, will you allow the Lord to meet you, greet you, and throw his arms around you, and feed you?

Our story today is both happy and sad. One son has been reconciled, forgiven. He eats. The other son remains distant, alienated, refuses to eat. Which one are you?