The Prodigal Son: A Commentary in the Light of the Fathers by Hieromonk Gregorios, Elder of the Cell of St. John the Theologian, Koutloumousiou Monastery, Mount Athos., Trans. by Stelios Zarganes.
From the Prologue: The Lord taught this parable because “Then all the tax collectors and the sinners drew near to Him to hear Him. And the Pharisees and scribes complained, saying, ‘This Man receives sinners and eats with them’.” (Luke 15:1) Christ lovingly welcomed sinners and ate with them. The Scribes and the Pharisees were unable to comprehend this love and, because of this, grumbled against the benevolent Lord, accusing Him of keeping company with tax collectors and sinners. In order to help them, Jesus told this wonderful parable which incorporates great truths for all believers.
It is to be hoped that some of the brethren reading this will make the decision to return to God our Father, whether like the younger or the elder son (whichever of the two they identify with spiritually), and confess: Father I sinned in heaven and against you. It is certain that they will hear the fatherly voice: This son of mine was dead and is alive again. And after a resurrection into God’s embrace, they shall share anew in His philanthropic love.
