God also goes out to seek the dutiful

The father runs toward the younger son returning and also steps out of the feast to speak with the elder one. One was lost far away; the other, within his obedience, his fatigue, and his resentment. Both need to be found. You can appear orderly and yet be closed to God. You comply, but you no longer enjoy it; you help, but you despise; you remain, but everything has become a burden. That loss is harder to recognize because it preserves a good appearance. The Father does not seek you out only when you cause a scandal. He also steps out when correctness has turned into hardness and fidelity into bitterness. Letting yourself be found can begin by admitting that you need love, not just recognition.