[kosta50]

If we assume the younger brother truly repented then that affects the calculation

I agree, but the way the parable is worded, it looks like he was on his last straw, so to say, before 'repenting.'

We know that sin is also its own punishment.

In the long run, yes, but we are drawn to it because it "feels good and is comfy." It's something we do 'naturally.'

Sinning boldly results in bold suffering

Touché. :)

[D-fendr]

we are drawn to it because it "feels good and is comfy."

Or we figure if a little feels good a lot would feel great.. and off we go into addiction. I like the framing of sin as the abuse of our God given instincts. Gluttony, lust..

I remember the first time I heard, in RCIA I believe, the phrase "the glamour of sin." Yep, I thought, that nails it alright..

The test is to learn the lesson with the minimum amount of damage to ourselves and others. I flunked that one.