[Mary Naeem]

H.H. Pope Tawadros II





Core Meanings in Both Parables

The first son in the Parable of the Two Sons represents tax collectors and sinners who repented and ultimately obeyed God. These individuals live out the commandment in its true depth.

The second son represents the Pharisees and chief priests, who outwardly appear righteous but do not act in obedience to God’s will.
As Christ said: “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven” (Matthew 7:21). The Church teaches us during fasting seasons to live a truly holy spiritual life, one that begins with words but is fulfilled by doing God’s will: “Assuredly, I say to you that tax collectors and harlots enter the kingdom of God before you. For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him; but tax collectors and harlots believed him; and when you saw it, you did not afterward relent and believe him” (Matthew 21:31–32).
Likewise, in the Parable of the Prodigal Son, the younger son fell into the deception of sin, realized its dark reality, regretted his actions, and compared his past to his present. This is the reasoning of a wise person.