Daily Thoughts: The story of the Forgiving Father is what we are asked to reflect on today. I have used this parable many times, often when I am preparing young people for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. For me the first half of the story about the younger son and his return home is a great image for the sacrament. All the elements of the sacrament are there, recognition of sinfulness, the journey to the sacrament, saying we are sorry and forgiveness.
The second half of the story about the older brother reflects another side of sinfulness. We often only think of sinfulness as bad things that we do. We think of the Ten Commandments. However, sin can be what we don't do. Sin can be standing in judgment, self-righteousness, pride, envy, jealousy and anger especially when we think we are right. Sin can be refusing to be part of the family, part of the faith community. Sin can be thinking only of ourselves and playing the victim card.
I have always felt this story presented the two sides of sin and often for many of us the older brother is where we usually find ourselves. The hopeful sign in the story is that the father is in the whole story. He is where ever we are. Always willing to forgive, always willing to welcome us home, always willing to come out and welcome us into the family, into the celebration. All we have to do is let go of what we have done or failed to do and accept his forgiveness, his love!
Daily Lenten Prayer: Compassionate God; grace us with the strength to make the journey home to you. Give us the wisdom to see our faults, our failings, our struggles and to accept your forgiveness. Fill us with a hope that helps us to see past our disappointments, that helps us to let go of our pride, our envy, our jealousy, our resentment, our anger so that we may always be a part of the family, a part of the celebration. Embrace us with your presence so that we may always believe that you are our kind, merciful and loving God. Amen!
Runner's Thought: As you run look for good in the world that you pass by, look for good in the people you encounter, sense the good in you and know you do not run alone, God runs with you!
Happy Saturday everyone! I leave in a few moments for Bethesda, MD and St. Bartholomew Parish where I will begin a mission tonight. If you want the particulars check my web site calendar, you can find all the information there. (preacherman.org) If you are nearby why not joins us. As always I ask your prayers for the St. Bartholomew faith community this week and their preacher. You can be assured that I will keep you in my prayers. No flying this week just a driving which in some ways makes travel a little easier.
I hope you are having a good beginning to your Saturday and that this weekend will be kind to you. May you get some distance from the busyness of the work week and if that is not possible may you at least find a few moments of calm sometime this weekend. Enjoy your weekend with family, friends, or whomever you meet. Blessings upon all your endeavors and upon you and your loved ones! Peace in Christ's Passion...Fr. Paul
Hi Fr. Paul, I like that you call your meditation the story of the Forgiving Father. Isn't our Father's mercy so much greater than our sin. God bless as you begin your mission.
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