The tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to listen to Jesus,
but the Pharisees and scribes began to complain, saying,
“This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.
” So Jesus addressed this parable to them. – Luke 15:1-3
I love this story because of how it reveals so much about Jesus. The context is important. Jesus is “eating and drinking with sinners.” That is the severe judgment of the religious leaders. While these leaders stand outside, Jesus tells three insightful stories. [The two parables we have today and the parable of the prodigal son, which is used as a gospel of its own in Lent.] The stories have three audiences: 1. The group of “sinners” having a joyful, celebratory dinner with Jesus, 2. The critics, standing outside, and 3. Us sinners hearing these stories today, as if for the first time. Always ready to heal and reconcile, Jesus raises his voice enough to be heard by the disapproving scolders outside.
The stories have four things in common. Something/someone precious is lost. An intense search begins. The lost is found. A celebration breaks out. The Prodigal son parable adds three elements which enrich the story. 1. The younger son’s sin is really egregious. He as much as says, “Father, I know you aren’t dead, yet, but I’d like my half of your estate now.” And, he proceeds to squander it self-indulgently. 2. He doesn’t return to his father’s house because he’s sorry. He returns because he’s out of money and hungry. 3. The story comes full circle as the older son – like the religious leaders listening to this parable – protests the father’s mercy, and he refuses to enter into the celebration.
This marvelous story is a gift for you and me today. Our hearts are warmed to see Jesus as the defender of the sinner. We’re touched to hear how precious we are, and how much Jesus longs to offer us a joyous return. And, it just might help us to be aware of any tendency we might have to judge others or to resent how merciful Jesus is. Finally, a fresh reading of this story might lead us to speak with our Lord, with gratitude, tenderness, and joy.
Rev. Andy Alexander, SJ
Co-founder of Creighton’s Online Ministries, Retired 2025
I served at Creighton from 1996 to 2025. I served as Vice-president for Mission for three Presidents, directed the Collaborative Ministry Office and co-founded the Online Ministries website.
I loved seeing the number of faculty and staff who over the years really took up the mission as their own and made Creighton the Jesuit university it is today. I was also consoled to witness the website – a collaborative effort - touch the hearts of so many around the world.
I’m now living at St. Camillus – a Jesuit care facility in Milwaukee. Many of my days are spent dealing with my own health issues, as I carry out the mission we’ve been given, “to pray for the Church and the Society of Jesus.”
