"There once was a man who had two sons..." So Jesus begins a tale often described as the best short story ever told. The "bad" son who takes his inheritance early, and blow it all through stupid choices. The "good" son who stays home and helps work the farm. The "bad" son recognizes his mistakes and returns home, asking for nothing but a job as a laborer. But to everyone's surprise, he is greeted with love and forgiveness by his father, who immediately throws a big party to celebrate. But not everyone is happy. His brother feels only anger, and refuses to join the party. And even his father's explanation falls on deaf ears: "This brother of yours was dead, and he’s alive! He was lost, and he’s found!’” Most (if not all) of us have likely been in the elder brother's shoes at one time or another. Like him, we too may harbor anger and frustration when someone who to us is undeserving, seems to be given a free pass. Is that so wrong? |