Reflection on The Parable of the Prodigal Son

Reflection

This is not the first time that I have read this parable entitled "Parable of the Prodigal Son". To be honest, I do not really know that many parables or gospels but what I know is that this is one of those parables that are famous and mostly read and used by many because it taught lessons and people can really comprehend with it.
When this was given to us as an activity, I was really glad to know because first I  already read it not just once or twice but mant times and I can say that this parable really interests me as I can easily apply it to the many things happening in my life right now and to all those struggles and pain that I have felt as I am fulfilling my journey which is called "life".
As you read through the parable there are three main characters that are really visible and has a great part in it. These are the father, older son/older brother and younger son/younger brother. To fully understand the parable, let us divide it into three parts or scenes.
The first part of it can be seen as the younger son wanted to have his share of wealth from his father and had abandoned his family and went far away to do the things that he really likes. He did not even remembered his family during those time and just get wasted together with his friends. He just spent all his money until a famine came. He was broke and he had really nothing even food to eat. He decided to work at a farm and was assigned to feed the swine. He was really hungry and he longed to eat something and he even thought of eating the pods that the swine was eating however nobody gave him any. And at that very moment he realized that even the servants of his father can eat well and even have food to spare. So, he decided to return to the house of his father and ask for his forgiveness.
In this scene, it can be implied that the younger son really got full of himself. He never got contented with the life in the side of his father and really went out to seek the world. He even demanded to have his share and for the father to just give it to him is really a brave decision because in our culture today, we only receive our "mana" when someone is very ill and is nearing death or when that person is really dead. And if I am really the father, I would really be hurt and at the same time insulted. Hurt because I know that one of my son is not happy in my household and insulted because he just wanted his own money. However, the father really gave the son what he wanted without any second thoughts. The son was also disappointing and was careless to just spend his money on unimportant things and he really learned his lesson from all his bad decisions. He became matured and manly enough to accept his mistake and go back to his father and ask for forgiveness.
The second part is when the father forgave his younger son and just accepted him once again. Not only this but he even held a big feast and gave hime robes and sandals. I may not be a father or a parent but I can totally see how a father really loves his son. Even though he was disappointed, hurt, and insulted, he accepted him whole-heartedly. I bet when it was me, I may feel anger towards the younger son but he did not have any. I think he really wanted the son to know the value of love and know his lessons very well. It is not easy to just go on his own and just do everything that he wants.
The last part is when his brother was against on his father's decision but his father reason out with him about how they should celebrate his younger brother's return and in the end accepted and respected the decision of his father. The older brother can't be blamed for that kind of reaction because it was him who stayed in the side of his father all along and he never even made that kind of celebration for him instaed he made it for his careless little brother. Anyone would think that the father really favors the younger one and really loves him more because he did not get any recognition from him. He felt disappointed with the decision made by his father. However he is not the kind of father that would think like that. He was a fair one and he stated that he did that for his some who was dead and now alive and back.

The Parable of the Prodigal Son gives us a sense of love and hope.

A kind of love that is forgiving.

A kind of love that is accepting.

In todays world, making mistakes is very common. All people commit sins. It sometimes is inevitable. We sometimes think that what we do is the right thing and because of the pride that we have, we do not easily accept that we are not right. But what is the most important thing is that we have to accept that we are wrong and that we have learned from it and then repent from it. Ask forgiveness to those we have sinned. As long as you are willing to make a confession and willingly accept your sin.
Also this parable taught us not to be too full of ourselves and to always love, forgive and accept. Never hold grudges especially to your family members. Give them a second chance to prove themselves that they are worth it.
This parable gives us a chance to amend our mistakes, to ask forgiveness and to accept the consequences to your actions. Be always thankful for what you have and respect your father.