The Gospel of Luke presents God's mercy as something that cannot be earned or deserved. It is given freely as grace.

In this very familiar parable, the younger son left his family and wasted his inheritance.  He shamed himself and his family and ended up in a desperate situation.  Eventually he figures out what he needs to do.  His hope is that his father will accept him back. The father not only accepts him back but also wants to have a big celebration. What was lost in now found.

The elder son was resentful when he saw how willingly the father forgave the older son.  He couldn't accept that mercy is freely given.

Like the brothers in the parable, we are all recipients of God's mercy. Amen.