The question seems to dig into something personal and introspective—whether you carry traits of the Prodigal Son or even the older son from the parable. Let’s unpack that.
The Prodigal Son in you might show up if you’ve ever felt like you’ve wandered off course—chasing something (a dream, a thrill, a distraction) that left you emptier than you expected. Maybe you’ve taken risks or made choices that pulled you away from what matters most to you, only to feel later that tug to return—to a better version of yourself, to people who care, or to a sense of purpose. It’s that part of you that’s restless, maybe a little reckless, but capable of recognizing when it’s time to come home, wherever “home” is for you.
The older son, though? That could be in you if you’ve ever felt overlooked or resentful—sticking to the rules, doing the “right” thing, yet watching others get grace or attention you think they don’t deserve. It’s that quiet frustration when loyalty seems unrewarded or when you catch yourself judging instead of celebrating someone else’s comeback. If you’ve ever wrestled with fairness—why them and not me?—that’s him whispering.
Most of us have a bit of both. The Prodigal’s hunger for freedom and the older son’s hunger for recognition aren’t opposites—they’re human. Lent is a chance to look at both: where you’ve strayed and need forgiveness and where you’ve clung too tight and need to let go. So, is there a son in you? Probably. The real question is which one’s louder right now—and what you’ll do about it.
Fr. Marius