Tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to listen to Jesus,
but the Pharisees and scribes began to complain, saying,
“This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”
So to them Jesus addressed this parable.
(Lk 15:1-3,11-32)

The fifteenth chapter of Luke’s gospel is a marvel. It is framed by the eating and drinking with sinners. But what follows are three parables, the Lost Sheep, the Lost Coin, and the Lost Son (the Prodigal Son). In today’s reading we are treated to the Lost Son. The refusal of the elder son to join the banquet celebrating the return of the younger son ties in to the eating and drinking with sinners. Who are those in our church, in our community, in our world, that we would rather not have at the table? Why is it that so many in our world have no place at the table of the human family? Why do so many not feel welcomed?