Communion with the Father: Interpretation of the Parable of the Prodigal Son (Lk 15:11-32)

The article examines the Parable of the Prodigal Son (Lk 15:11-32), which was called "the gospel in the gospel" and has, more than any other Gospel passage, entered into various discussions and presentations of human conduct. The exposition is presented in 6 parts. The first undertakes some major problems regarding textual criticism. In the second part the context of the parable is described. The third part proposes the structure of the text in the parable. The fourth part, which is the most extensive one, presents a detailed explanation of the text of the parable. In the fifth part attention is focused on the question of the tradition and redaction criticism of the parable. The final sixth part provides in summary form the meaning and the message of the parable.

Keywords: Bible; New Testament; Gospel; Luke; Exegesis; Parable; God; Paternity; Love; Communion