That the Prodigal left home with his share of his dad's estate indicates that his decision to leave his father having demanded his share of his dad's estate in advance of the death of his father evidenced no great respect, or love for his dad's feelings for his much beloved son.
That in self imposed exile the Prodigal's choice was starvation leading to a premature death, or returning to his dad's home to live a full, and rewarding life would appear to me to be an acceptance by the son that he had no other choice...that is, for the sane human person seeking nourishment, and shelter.
I like to believe that the Prodigal reconciled with his dad, not to repeat his earlier self destructive decision to leave his father's side, where he enjoyed his dad's loving protection. In this sense it can be argued that the son's loving relationship was restored by the dad's free choice not to scold his son, but to welcome him home with a big embrace, and a celebration.
The hero in this story is the father, who despite the selfish behaviour of his son, welcomes him back into his home with joy overflowing, and with no wish to add to the son's self imposed punishment for having rejected his dad's love, and abundance.
The listener to Jesus' story also learns that Our Father welcomes all His children back into his tender, loving care when ever we make the decision to return, for whatever reason...for Our Father never hesitates to forget all our self inflicted injuries.
I quote the words of Pope Francis:
http://www.lastampa.it/2016/09/11/vaticaninsider/eng/the-vatican/no-one-is-a-lost-cause-god-awaits-us-with-open-arms-DjKDAmDVuppcTrbsxFC5rJ/pagina.html
“The most moving parable is the one about the father who embraces his long-lost son, because it illustrates God’s limitless love.” What touches us most, the Pope says, is not so much the sad story of a young man who takes the wrong path but his crucial words: “I will get up and go to my father.” The way home, Francis Said, “is the path of hope which leads to a new life: “God waits with open arms for us to resume our journey, he awaits us patiently, he sees us when we are still a long way away, he runs towards us, he embraces us, he kisses us, he forgives us. And his forgiveness erases the past and regenerates us through love.” Jesus himself says: “There will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous ones who do not need to repent.”
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