<P> On the son's return, the father treats him with a generosity far more than he has a right to expect . </P> <P> The older son, in contrast, seems to think in terms of "law, merit, and reward", rather than "love and graciousness ." He may represent the Pharisees who were criticizing Jesus . </P> <P> The father, who represents the Heavenly Father, implies to the older son that his love for both sons is not dependent upon their perfection, but their willingness to return to Him with a broken heart and a contrite spirit . </P> <P> The Eastern Orthodox Church traditionally reads this story on the Sunday of the Prodigal Son, which in their liturgical year is the Sunday before Meatfare Sunday and about two weeks before the beginning of Great Lent . One common kontakion hymn of the occasion reads, </P>

What is the message of the parable of the prodigal son
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