Could ”A Good Catholic” Not be Saved? (Lk 15:1-3,11-32)

<p>There may be no more of a beautiful and tender story in the Gospel showing how God, liked to Merciful Father embracing and kissing his son who was a great sinner, is. As beautiful and helpful this story of reconciliation is, ultimately the parable is really about the older son who represents those who might consider themselves "Religious" or "Good Catholics".  In this parable the older son refused to enter the Father's Joy, and the banquette representing heaven, because he failed to forgive his brother as God had forgiven him.  We cannot enter into heaven unless we too forgive others. Yes this is very difficult, but we can, if we understand what it really means to forgive another, and why it is so important. </p>