Word to the Wise
Sunday, March 6, 2016 - 4th Sunday of Lent - C
[Josh 5:9a, 10-12; 2 Cor 5:17-21; Luke 15:1-3, 11-32]SUNDAY, MARCH 6, 2016. FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT [Joshua 5:9a, 10-12; 2 Corinthians 5:17-21; Luke 15:1-3, 11-32. Parishes with RCIA programs may use the scriptures for Cycle A] "My son, you are here with me always; everything I have is yours. But now we must celebrate and rejoice, because your brother was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found." [Luke] This powerful parable, called "The Prodigal Son" by tradition, is one of three in a row spoken by Jesus in response to the sneering comment of the scribes and Pharisees, "This man welcomes sinners and eats with them." The words of the father quoted above are echoed in the famous hymn, "Amazing Grace." The parable has inspired some very fine reflections by spiritual writers such as Henri Nouwen (The Return of the Prodigal) and Brian Pierce, O.P. (Jesus and the Prodigal Son), and Ronald Rolheiser OMI (Sacred Fire) just to mention but three of the more recent of thousands. In the Jubilee Year of Mercy, this parable takes on additional "power" in its appeal to the world. I can only appeal to the story itself and the very vivid characters and ask myself and others as to which character in the drama we most identify with. There is more than enough feelings: shame, resentment, joy, etc.. Perhaps at times many of us have played all three of the principal roles. The younger and the older brothers may represent us at different points in our lives. Perhaps we may see Pope Francis in the figure of the father because of his many appeals to us all to show mercy. Do we just want to be one of the villagers watching the tension while eating the barbecue? All of this makes for rich meditation. I'm must glad that father is not ply there but is running down the road toward me. AMEN
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