RBWords

     One of the significant changes made in sacramental practice after the Second Vatican Council concerned what we Catholics call "confession."  The official title of the sacrament was changed from Sacrament of Penance to Sacrament of Reconciliation!  The emphasis in the title moves from a purely individual event to one of relationship.  Even so, it has been difficult for Catholics to pick up on this change because we have always seen this sacrament in terms of our relationship with GOD but not necessarily our relationship with NEIGHBOR!  The powerful parable of the Prodigal Son offers us a good opportunity to reflect on this challenge.

     I suspect most of us would immediately identify with the younger son who benefits from the mercy of the forgiving Father and who repents of his rash action which led to disaster.  The older brother seems to be petty by contrast in his resentment over the celebration of his younger brother's return.  He forgets all the benefits he has from his Father and pouts about the celebration.  What about his relationship with his brother?  And vice versa?  There's no question that the Father shows mercy for both of them, but we are left to wonder what happens after all the celebration.  Will the brothers be reconciled to each other?

     I have mentioned here on a number of occasions an Examination of Conscience that I have used at retreats and parish missions.  It focuses not on a list of possible infractions but on the relationships that we have and on the need for forgiveness and reconciliation.  If the two brothers followed the teaching of Jesus, they would be reconciled BEFORE joining the celebration. [Matt. 5:23-24].  Perhaps this season of Lent could challenge us to discern the need of forgiveness and reconciliation with our "neighbor."  No doubt this will be harder than giving up chocolates or alcohol, but the spiritual benefit is far greater.  AMEN