The Gospel this week is about the story of the prodigal son. I don’t know about you, but I used feel badly about the one brother who stayed home taking care of his aging father when the other son wandered off with his half of dad’s inheritance before dad even passed away and blew every red cent. I have to say my thoughts about the parable have changed with the passing of time and personal experiences. When we’re young, many of us identified this passage exclusively with the stay at home son as did I. Afterall, he was faithful everyday to his father while the other son, full of spunk and vinegar, runs off to see the world and squandered his inheritance, on wine, women, and song. Now broke, he wants to come home. However, he comes home repentant, and wanting to make amends for his behavior. Here is where the human and divine collide. The human says get rid of him, tell him to get lost, and he deserves what’s coming to him. The divine says welcome home, welcome back, I am so overjoyed you have learned something and I forgive you. That’s always tough to swallow. As I first stated, I used to think the returning brother was actually rewarded for his bad behavior in the story. Now, I can better relate to the father much like Jesus is to us. Free will in our lives allows us to wander, make mistakes, and sometimes make inappropriate choices. However, God never steps in the way. He is there like a loving parent just hoping we learn from our mistakes and forever waiting with open arms ready to welcome, forgive, and love when we are ready to return. No doubt a difficult message for those who are faithful but GREAT news to those who have fallen and want to start over. I recall the words of Pope Francis when he said, “The Lord never tires of forgiving, it is we who tire in asking. . .” Lent is that time to come home. To seek the forgiveness and love of a Father who is forever there standing and waiting for our first step with open arms. All you need to do is to experience His mercy in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Remember, a good forgiving heart and a clear conscience is far more rewarding than a pocket full of money. Fr. Roach
