The bull of St Luke

THE GOSPEL OF LUKE

The Lost Sons: Lk 15,11-32

This story is so familiar that we need to try to hear it afresh. We will I hope find that there is a lot which is not really brought out in traditional readings. We can also become more alert to the story's background. At the same time, we must not over-analyse the story so that it becomes lifeless. The aim therefore (as is the aim of Gospel Reading) is for the message to emerge from our reading.

We begin with an overall reading of the story, to get the flow. See how this is a two scene story and that there are two characters in each scene. See how one character acts first, then the second responds. Notice how this parable follows on from the previous parables and to whom it is addressed. Notice too how the story ends - have a look at 16,1

Then have a look at my response before we begin our closer reading of the story.

The Younger Son: Lk 15,11-24

Verse 11 starts the story and perhaps we can think of other stories concerning two brothers (sibling rivalry): Genesis 25 and 27 for example.

Then in verse 12 we are straight into the younger son's request. What in effect is the son saying to his father? For some background, consider Exodus 20,12 or Deuterononmy 5,16 (and Lk 18,20). Also Sirach 33,19-21.
How do you understand the second sentence of verse 12?

See how verse 13 echoes Proverbs 29,3.

What is strange about the son's reaction to the famine? Pigs just underline the point (Lev 11,7). (Look back to 8,26-39)

The son repeats himself in verse 18 and 21. See the elder son's rection in verse 29.

How does the younger son speak of his father? Again see the elder son in verse 29.

Verse 20 is probably the most remarkable in the whole story. See Sirach 19,30. For a Christian understanding of this verse, see 1st Letter of John 4,7-12.

For the best robe and ring, look at Genesis 41,42. What might be the signifcance of the sandals?

Verse 24 then concludes the first scene: see the previous parables, 15,7.10. What happens to the younger son?

Time now for my response.

The Elder Son: Lk 15,25-32

The Elder Son now makes his appearance (despite verse 12 as I noted). In a few words, the scene is set for him by a servant (verses 25-27). Note how the sevant speaks of the brother and the father in verse 27. The question, perhaps the key question of the entire story, is how will the elder son respond.

In verse 28, what does the son do and what does the father do? Are the father's actions "in character" with the first scene?

How does the elder brother respond in verses 29-30? We have noted already what he does not say. Look also at the personal adjectives he uses. We have also noted how this response echoes the first two verses of the chapter.

How does the father respond in verses 31 and 32? How does the parable end?

Now have a look at my response.

The Chapter Overall

Now that we have read through this story of the two sons, and indeed the whole chapter, it is useful to reflect over our explorations. What has struck you as we read the story the way we have?

Then have a look at my response about that.

The theme now changes from repentance to money as we continue to our overview of chapter 16.