Familiar indeed to Bible students is the prodigal son. Less noticed by most people is his brother, the elder son. But Jesus included them both in his parable.

This parable begins with the story of the younger son, who took his inheritance to a distant land and squandered it in extravagant and sinful living. Later, sincerely repentant, he decided to return home and ask his father's forgiveness. The father, gratified at this reformation, received him compassionately, even ordering a celebration.

Then the parable turns to the elder son, who became angry that a wastrel should be feted when he, who had worked for his father faithfully, had never been so honored. Disappointed at this narrow viewpoint, the father made this beautiful, tender, but arousing statement: "Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine."  ^{Luke 15:31;}

Jesus could have concluded his parable with the happy return of the repentant prodigal. That he did not shows that he had something of importance to add to the lesson. Mrs. Eddy comments, "In no other one thing seemed Jesus of Nazareth more divine than in his faith in the immortality of his words."  ^{Miscellaneous Writings, p. 99;} As one applies to himself the truths taught in the parable and corrects one's human failings, epitomized in these two brothers, the parable enriches one's present human experience.

The elder son evokes one's sympathy. He faithfully assumed double responsibility, the prodigal's as well as his own. For this, he deserved commendation. However, hidden beneath docility, he had some common mortal faults, such as resentment, ingratitude, jealousy, self-righteousness. He lacked also the warmth of brotherly love, without which all other virtues become meaningless. Mechanically doing his duty, he probably worked grudgingly, without love for his father or his home.

The student of Christian Science who expresses brotherly love always rejoices to see good demonstrated, regardless of who benefits, even a seemingly unworthy one. This reflection of Principle, Love, is an active quality, not merely the absence of hatred. If a brother stumbles morally, physically, or financially, the Scientist understandingly sees the unreality of such an erroneous concept, appreciating that in reality man is unfallen, forever the perfect image of God. Likewise, a loving student never feels disappointed in anyone so long as he does not lose sight of the perfect man. Mrs. Eddy offers us this wonderful criterion for correct thinking: "Jesus beheld in Science the perfect man, who appeared to him where sinning mortal man appears to mortals." ^{Science and Health, pp. 476, 477;}

Science shows God's image as present right where a sick or sinning mortal may seem to be. Seeing this image precludes either criticism or self-righteousness, since it beholds no defect. Cleansing vision of imperfection enables one to behold the glories of present, perfect reality.

In God's infinite abundance there is always enough good for all, in fact, a bounteous supply. If one manifests great good, this does not mean less for others. Rather, it points to the possibilities at hand. The fact that good in any form appears, demonstrates what is available. Man, the child of God, naturally partakes of his Father's abundance. With infinite Love for all to enjoy, there can be no diminution. We share, not divide, God's blessings. There are no favorites in His family. He loves all equally and appreciates each one. Living our highest sense of right, regardless of its apparent human importance, we receive God's seal of approval. Mrs. Eddy asks, "Shall we plead for more at the open fount, which is pouring forth more than we accept?"  ^{p. 2;} There is plenty of good, of love, of joy, for all, not in "a far country," but here and now.

Probably the elder son did not know that he nurtured a host of erroneous thoughts. Hidden errors are the most dangerous ones. They grow quietly, sapping effectiveness and joy. Mortal mind makes suggestions, such as jealousy, resentment, or latent dissatisfaction, that the unwary individual may accept as his own thoughts. Error often gains entrance to thinking through the sly guises of discouragement, apathy, or apparent lack of time for daily study and prayer. Anything not good, however insignificant, is not from God and should be removed from experience without delay.

Sins must be healed, not covered up, belittled, or ignored. Man, the image of God, has no being or mind apart from God, the divine Mind. Frequent affirmations of this fact, coupled with the understanding study of the Bible and Mrs. Eddy's writings, protect one from evil or enable him to detect and eject it if it appears. The Psalmist prayed thus for self-correction: "Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults." ^{Ps. 19:12;}

The prodigal's brother dwelt in their father's house amidst great bounty. He lacked only recognition of the good that was his. What further celebration could anyone ask than the joy of being constantly in God's presence, sharing His largess? What greater honor could be desired than being the image of the heavenly Father? The only thing one can possibly lack, something which no one else can give, and without which the good already possessed cannot be appreciated, is gratitude. How true are these words:

Let us identify ourselves neither with the shortsighted prodigal nor with his complaining brother, but with thankful hearts let us listen to our Father's words, "Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine."