Word to the Wise
Saturday, March 10, 2012 - 2nd Week of Lent - Sat
[Mic 7:14-15, 18-20 and Luke 15:1-3, 11-32]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.
The parable of the "Prodigal Son" could have other titles. We could call it the parable of "the unforgiving brother," or "the merciful Father!" "Merciful Father" would come closer to what Jesus is saying. It is important to note that this parable is the third in a series that starts with a lost sheep and a lost coin (worth a day's wages!). If a shepherd is willing to risk all to find the one lost sheep, or the woman is willing to spend a whole day looking for lost money, God is willing to do everything to find the lost offspring! These parables are spoken in response to the complaint of the Pharisees that Jesus welcomes sinners and eats with them! The sulking and complaining older brother of the parable is clearly of their persuasion! Instead of eating from the fatted calf, he prefers to eat "sour grapes!"
Mercy and rejoicing come together in this series of parables. The shepherd rejoices, the woman rejoices and the Father rejoices when the lost has been found. It is really moving to think that God might be anxious on our account and is willing to run out and meet us halfway when we come to our senses and turn back to divine mercy. My parish mission preaching often includes the experience of a person returning to the sacraments after years of alienation. I make sure to say, "Welcome back!" right at the beginning!
What is OUR reaction when we hear of a deathbed reconciliation or reconciliation of a notorious sinner? Do we rejoice, or do we begrudge? Do we want to see punishment rather than reconciliation? Lent might be a good time to come to terms with those feelings and attitudes and ask where they fit in Jesus' scheme of things! AMEN