Then he became angry and refused to go in. His father came out and began to plead with him. But he answered his father, “Listen! For all these years I have been working like a slave for you, and I have never disobeyed your command; yet you have never given me even a young goat so that I might celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours came back, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fatted calf for him!” (Luke 15:28-30)

We have journeyed together through the hardened path in the Parable of the Sower, seeing how the prodigal son openly left home in pursuit of independence, distancing himself from his father, and how, through Mary of Bethany and St. Francis, we learned the decisive choice to select the one necessary thing. Today, we encounter the older son; his story reveals a subtler state of a hardened heart.

The parable tells us: “Then he became angry and refused to go in. His father came out and began to plead with him. But he answered his father, ‘Listen! For all these years I have been working like a slave for you, and I have never disobeyed your command; yet you have never given me even a young goat so that I might celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours came back, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fatted calf for him!’” (Luke 15:28-30)

On the surface, the older son appears very faithful. He stayed at home, obeyed the commands, and worked diligently. Yet his heart gradually became like compacted soil, and a mentality of entitlement crept in. He believed he deserved special rewards for his good deeds. When his younger brother received mercy, the urge to compare and envy arose in him. Rather than rejoicing at his brother’s return, he grew angry with his father.

This is the hidden trap that many of us easily fall into. We may have faithfully served in the Father’s house for years without realizing that a subtle illusion has formed: we assume that by praying fervently, serving in the church, or striving to be good, God is “obliged” to grant us good health, success, and blessings. So when we see others seemingly receiving more blessings, we begin to calculate and compare. Envy slips in—when we see others being blessed, we not only fail to rejoice with them, but we feel sadness, or even greedily desire to claim that grace for ourselves. (CCC 2553)

The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that envy is one of the seven capital sins. It arises from pride, is a refusal of charity, and causes resentment toward God, even leading one to accuse God of unfairness or favouritism. (CCC 2540)

The evil one exploits this very point to isolate us. Even if our bodies remain in the Father’s house, our hearts may have drifted away. We no longer listen to the gentle voice of the Father; and the seed of God’s word falls on this hardened path and is quickly taken away. Some who have served in the church for years may unknowingly experience this state themselves. Outwardly, they continue to fulfill their duties, but inwardly, they feel that God owes them more, and disappointment gradually hardens into indifference. The Father’s request, like the plea the father in the parable made to the older son, goes unheeded.

St. Thomas Aquinas points out that envy stems from vainglory; it is a false sense of self-worth built on comparison that leads to hatred, detraction, and sorrow over the prosperity of others. Yet, love envies no one. The remedy lies in contentment, humility, and rejoicing in others’ blessings, which gives glory to God. (CCC 2540)

Therefore, we must carefully examine our own hearts. If envy and a sense of entitlement remain hidden within, even outwardly good behaviour and fervent religious life are insufficient. Today, our heavenly Father, as the father in the story pleaded with the older son, extends an invitation to us. Will we refuse to enter the feast of mercy and compassion, or will we allow Him to soften our hearts?

True conversion is acknowledging our complete dependence on God’s grace rather than relying on our own merits. When we let go of comparison and live with gratitude, the hardened, trampled path can be transformed into fertile soil, allowing God’s word to bear abundant fruit

Let us respond to the Father’s plea, enter His house, and celebrate together in joy.

Let us calmly listen to what the Father wishes to say to us:

“Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has been found.” (Luke 15:31–32)

Reflection

Do I feel entitled to more blessings from God because of years of service or piety? What steps can I take to change this mindset?

Have I compared myself to others and felt sadness or anger at their blessings, revealing envy in my heart?

Have I felt anger at God for what seems like “unfair” treatment? Has this unspoken anger unknowingly closed my heart, making it increasingly difficult to hear His voice?

Today’s Prayer

Father, I thank You for helping me realize that I am like the elder son, often standing outside with a heart full of anger and resentment, feeling entitled to be rewarded for my efforts. I confess that pride and envy have hardened my heart, and blinded me to Your generous love. Forgive me for constantly comparing myself to others and for doubting Your fairness.

Today, I willingly accept Your loving plea. Soften my heart, remove all sense of entitlement, and fill me with true charity, so that I may rejoice in every blessing You bestow upon others.

Grant me a humble heart, so I may understand that everything is grace and not a reward. Let me enter this feast with joy and once again attentively listen to Your words of love.

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