"Who “brought you out of the land of Egypt”: The reading from the Book of Exodus uses this phrase three times, and each differently. First God reminds Moses he is the leader of the people, and it’s his job to tell them about God’s wrath.

I can think of two good reasons to be happy this week: the fate of the prodigal son and the hope extended to his self-righteous brother. Because I’ve been both obvious sinner and self-proclaimed do-gooder at various times in my life, and I’m glad to know God is looking out for me whether I stray to the left or to the right.

BY THIS TIME a lot of men and women of doubtful reputation were hanging around Jesus, listening intently. The Pharisees and religion scholars were not pleased, not at all pleased. They growled, “He takes in sinners and eats meals with them, treating them like old friends.” Their grumbling triggered this story.

“JESUS IS WRONG!” The Bible study group reading the parable of the prodigal son was stunned into silence. The leader had been pointing out that the word prodigal (“excessive”) was better applied to the father’s generosity than to the son’s waste of his inheritance when the woman spoke out. “It’s not fair,” she insisted, “that the no-good kid is welcomed home like royalty when his hardworking brother is taken for granted.”

Brothers and sisters, let us acknowledge our sins, and so prepare ourselves to celebrate the sacred mysteries.

As in other letters by Paul or those writing in his name, the author of 1 Timothy has in mind some false teachers working in the background. In their error they are blasphemers, just like me, he says, but unlike me they can’t claim ignorance.

The story of the prodigal son is one of Jesus’ best, and one in which many can find themselves: the errant one who has come to his or her senses at last and is coming home, afraid it may be too late.

Mercy is the stuff you give to people that don’t deserve it. —Joyce Meyer