Fourth Sunday of Lent - March 30
I can see elements of myself in each of the characters from the Prodigal Son parable at various times in my life. When I was a child and young adult, there were times that I was the “good” and loyal son. I worked hard. I did what I was supposed to do when I was supposed to do it. I was responsible. I finished college on time. I was employed and paid my own bills. I regularly attended Mass, etc. (Sounds kind of boring, doesn’t it?) But boy oh boy could that green-eyed monster of jealousy and resentment reveal itself when a friend, sibling or coworker received accolades for finally achieving a LONG overdue goal or milestone. It was tough to recognize those not-so-nice feelings in my heart.
I can also see myself as the Father who longs for his lost son. I have been an empty nester for almost five years. Though my children have not squandered an inheritance or ceased communication with me, I can identify with the Father’s unconditional love, his longing to be in union with both of his sons and the joy he felt when his second son returned home. I don’t see my children as often as I would choose. But I relish receiving their calls and text messages, look forward to sharing meals together and treasure longer, overnight visits. If one were to ever wander from our family, I, too, would forever be expectantly watching the horizon with hope for their welcomed return.
Unfortunately, I most closely identify with the prodigal son. My faith is a journey that never ends. Sometimes the road is smooth and beautiful. Sometimes the road is rough and curvy. But even when I’ve turned my back to Him, God, the Father, is always there waiting for me, full of mercy and forgiveness. I imagine that He vigilantly watches the horizon for my return...ready to welcome me back into our friendship, picking up right where we left off.
Q: Right now in my life, with which character in Jesus’ parable do I most identify and why?
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