"I am dying from hunger" : Hunger in the life of Prodigal Son

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Lenten Season: Fourth Week : Sunday*

*Gospel : Lk 15:1-3, 11-32*

*First Reading : Jos 5:9a, 10-12*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 34: 2-3, 4-5, 6-7*

*Second Reading : 2 Cor 5:17-21*

*"I am dying from hunger" : Hunger in the life of Prodigal Son*

*1) Hunger in Prodigal Son*

Hunger, both physical and spiritual, plays a crucial role in the transformation of the prodigal son. 

It serves as a wake-up call, a moment of realization that leads him back to his father. 

Let’s reflect on how hunger becomes a turning point in his life and what it teaches us spiritually.

*2) Hunger Reveals the Emptiness of a Life Away from the Father*

The prodigal son had squandered his wealth in reckless living (Luke 15:13), thinking that freedom and pleasure would satisfy him.

However, famine and hunger exposed the emptiness of his choices.

Similarly, when we seek fulfillment apart from God, we eventually experience a “famine” of the soul—emptiness, dissatisfaction, and a longing for something deeper (Ecclesiastes 1:2).

*3) Hunger Leads to Self-Realization and Repentance*

Luke 15:17 says, “When he came to himself…”—his hunger brought him to a moment of self-awareness.

He realized that even his father’s servants were better off than he was.

Often, spiritual hunger—our dissatisfaction with life apart from God—leads us to repentance. 

It is in these low moments that we recognize our need for God’s grace (Psalm 34:10).

*4) Hunger Reminds Us of the Father’s Abundance*

The son remembered that in his father’s house, even the hired servants had plenty to eat. 

This realization reflects how God, as our loving Father, provides abundantly for His children (Psalm 23:1). 

When we drift away, our spiritual hunger should remind us that true fulfillment is only found in Him (John 6:35).

*5) Hunger Moves Him to Action*

Hunger was not just an internal realization but also a motivation for change. 

He did not remain in misery—he got up and returned to his father (Luke 15:18-20).

Similarly, when we experience spiritual hunger, we must not just recognize our need but take steps to return to God. 

James 4:8 says, “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.”

*6) Hunger as a Symbol of God’s Grace in Transformation*

Though hunger was painful, it was ultimately a gift—it led the son back to the love and forgiveness of the father. 

God often allows us to feel hunger (physical, emotional, or spiritual) not to punish us but to draw us back to Him (Deuteronomy 8:3).

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*