In 1965 George Stevens directed his epic film entitled “The Greatest Story Ever Told.” If the story of God’s redemptive work through the gift and grace of Jesus Christ, is indeed the “greatest story” ever told, then a “first runner-up” title could certainly be claimed by this week’s gospel text — the parable known as “The Prodigal Son.” Let’s just call it “The Greatest Short Story Ever Told.”

Theologically, spiritually, psychologically, and emotionally this parable remains as remarkable and moving in the twenty-first century as it was for its first-century audience. And as it has charged and challenged and changed those who have heard it in every century in-between. The “prodigal son” parable is both a headpiece for Jesus’ continuing teaching on the importance of true repentance, and an …