My favorite Gospel parable is the familiar Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32). The story of the merciful father is well known and a great deal of ink has been spent on analyzing the three characters and the key messages of this story.

The main point, most would agree, is the unconditional love of God.

I wonder if this parable was stirring in the heart of Pope Francis when he said recently, “I like to think hell is empty; I hope it is.”

This isn’t a new conversation. Theologians have wrestled with this idea for centuries.

I can recall a few chats over cocktails when I shared a similar opinion to the Holy Father.

I was met with this predictable question- “what about Hitler?” Or, “What if someone murdered your loved ones- Would you expect to see them in heaven?”

My answer then, as it is now, is that I hope if I am in heaven, not only would it not matter where they are, but if I am truly now with God, wouldn’t I want them to finally be at peace, too.

This requires a different way of thinking, and in return, living. I, and we, can choose to see all the evil in this world, and draw our lines in the sand. We can even find hope in the punishment of wrongdoers, both now and after this life. On some level, I get it.

Or, we can try to see with the eyes of God. Jesus teaches us how, when on the cross, when he says, “Father, Forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:340)

As a parent, I find the greatest lesson as I reflect on my love for my girls. I cannot imagine my kids doing anything that would cause my love to stop. There is nothing they could do that would require an eternal punishment, or anything close to it.

Should we expect anything less from God?

The Holy Father also reminds us in these remarks, that this is not just an afterlife question. It is a today question.

Who have you placed in the metaphorical hell?

Who is damned in your heart?

What prisons have you built for your past errors or judgment?

Maybe, it is time, to find peace today- with others and with yourself. Unlock the cell and allow unconditional love to reign.

Jesus gives us the image of the merciful father in the parable of the Prodigal Son. Pray with that image- the father loving his lost son. See the older brother in the corner, with arms crossed and hands clenched.

Who do you want to be?