The parable is The Prodigal Son but Melissa’s sermon focused on the older brother. The brother that stayed behind, served his father, tended the fields and flock and waited for his inheritance. He’s working in the field when his brother returns having squandered the inheritance he demanded while his father was still alive. Facing starvation returns begging forgiveness. Even if we aren’t the oldest sibling we’ve been there. Gritting our teeth, as we are ignored and praise is lavished on our unworthy peer. We can hold on to this anger and be dragged down, or like the father, rejoice that our brother has returned from the dead (his sins). It’s in this light that Restorative Justice brings the victim and perpetrator together healing both.
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