Many of us remember the iconic singer Marvin Gaye, who rose to fame in the 1970s and ’80s. A key figure in the Motown label, he earned multiple Grammys. Tragically, his life ended on April 1, 1983, when he was shot by his own father.
Gaye’s biography, titled Divided Soul, reveals the pain of his troubled childhood, marked by both physical and emotional abuse from his father. Despite his deep faith in Jesus, Marvin struggled to apply the teachings of forgiveness toward his father. Ultimately, it destroyed them both.
This story sharply contrasts with the parable in today’s Gospel—the tale of a prodigal son and a forgiving father. It highlights a modern issue: the growing inability or unwillingness to forgive.
The story begins with a young man in his late teens, the son of a wealthy man, who feels restless at home. Seeking freedom, he asks for his inheritance. Entitled to one-third of his father’s estate, he turns it into cash and heads to a distant land, where he squanders his wealth in indulgent living. When a famine strikes, he’s left destitute.
In desperation, he takes a degrading job feeding pigs—a task detestable to Jews at the time. There was even a Rabbinical creed the Jews lived by: “Cursed is the man who raises pigs.” He sinks so low that he even longs to eat the pigs’ food.
Eventually, he comes to his senses, not merely because he is broke, but because he recognizes the depth of his actions. This marks the beginning of his repentance. He plans to return to his father, confess his sins, and humbly ask to be treated as a servant, no longer deserving of his former sonship.
As he nears home, his father is already waiting. He sees him from afar. Without hesitation, the father runs to him, embracing him with love and forgiveness. Before the son can fully apologize, the father orders a feast to celebrate his return.
The older obedient son, however, is furious. He questions why the wayward son is being celebrated. The father explains that while the younger son was lost, he has now been found—a cause for joy.
This parable highlights a powerful truth: Jesus did not come to exact vengeance, but to offer forgiveness. As He hung on the cross, He said, “Father, forgive them,” proving God’s endless mercy.
The leading man of this story is not the son, but the father, revealing God’s nature. God always takes the first step in forgiveness. He doesn’t wait for us to return to Him; He runs to meet us, knowing our hearts, embracing us with mercy. Heaven rejoices when even one sinner repents.
This Gospel teaches us that God is not a distant, uncaring Creator. He actively loves us, even when we reject His love.
Admittedly, many of us share the older brother’s sentiments. We may struggle to accept celebrations for those who’ve strayed, especially if we’ve remained faithful. We may resent those who break the commandments. We can be consumed by outrage or revenge.
In the movie, The Karate Kid, the teacher asks the student why he wants to learn karate. The student replies, “Is revenge a good enough reason?” The teacher responds, “Whoever seeks revenge digs two graves—one for their enemy and one for themselves.”
Perhaps we simply must dismiss our outrage and desire for revenge and leave judgment to God, who offers boundless love and mercy—because His ways are beyond our understanding.
In moments of reflection, we too might echo the words of the prodigal son: “Father, I have sinned against you and God. I am a sinner. But I thank you for your great mercy.”
