The parable of the Prodigal Son stands as one of the most familiar and often-cited stories in the New Testament. This parable can offer numerous valuable insights, we shall delve into the essence of Christianity.

As it appears in the New Testament the elder son the loyal stay-at-home is often seen in a negative light: Whenever I read or listened to the parable, I found myself perplexed by the behaviour of the elder son, who remained loyal and steadfast to his father but ultimately appears as a joyless, self-pitying, self righteous and resentful elder brother. After finishing the story, I was left with questions such as, “Will the elder brother accept his father’s invitation to join the celebrations? Will he allow his younger brother to return to the household?”

            I often imagined myself in the elder brother’s shoes, his thoughts, as I make out are: “My younger brother demanded his share, and my obliging father divided the property between us. But then my brother sold his share and left for a distant place, squandering all the money on reckless living. And now he is returned, but what will become of my share? Will not my father ask me to give a portion of my share to this black sheep? Is it just or lawful for me to part with the property that I had worked hard to maintain with my father all these years? Is it fair to welcome him back into our home after he left so many years ago? I’m confident that if I were to take the matter to court to block his entry into the household, the decision would be in my favour.”

            The parable includes this seemingly redundant hateful character of the elder brother on purpose, to emphasize the father’s behaviour towards his prodigal son. The father’s actions go beyond what we typically consider rational or just. This is what Jesus often referred to as “mercy.” According to the dictionary, mercy means treating those in distress with compassion, especially when we have the power to punish or harm them. It is the most sublime emotion or vision of life that is at the heart of Christianity. It goes beyond the human sense of justice and righteousness.

            Paul Kalanithi, the neurosurgeon who died of cancer at age 37, wrote in his book When Breath Becomes Air: “The essence of Christianity is the daily triumph of mercy over Justice.” This is precisely what the parable of the prodigal son highlights. Christianity challenges us to transcend our rational thinking of law, justice, and righteousness.

            Pope Francis, as the figurehead of the Catholic Church, is intentionally redirecting the Church’s focus towards the central theme of mercy in both word and deed. The Liturgical year 2015-16 was designated as the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy. It is a gesture that we hope will bring a new life and renewal in the universal church.

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