Today's readings: March 14, 2009
Reading One: Mi 7:14-15, 18-20 ;
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 103:1-2, 3-4, 9-10, 11-12 ;
Gospel: Lk 15:1-3, 11-32 ; go to this page (for all three sections listed above on one page) And here's an audio file; & reflections (video)
We are all familiar with the story of the prodigal son, who returns home to his father after a life of dissipation. Note the juxtaposition of Psalm 103, which offers a song about how the Lord is kind and merciful, is not an accident of nature. Just like the father in the story, he forgives all His sons (and daughters too I would think). He is kind and merciful. But you say the one son who stayed home and didn't waste his life away like his younger brother who was acting like a fool. But he came home, and stopped doing what was wrong. And wasn't the older brother angry at his brother, and also his father too because it seemed unfair to him. Why was his father so happy to see the difficult son return, and then make him a succulent feast of fresh roasted lamb. Doesn't it seem unfair? I think most of us has played each of the characters in this story. The prodigal son, the loyal son, and also the father who forgives everyone in the story. The Lord is kind and merciful, ready to heal all the things you hold inside that might fill you with anger or animus, or all the things you want to get red of. It is such a shame we have to so often come home to God, like the prodigal son who followed his own designs. The funny thing though - all too often it is the older good son who takes longer to heal, because that character often feels a sense of righteous indignation. and this keeps him from changing his ways. The character we should strive for, is the father, who forgives each of sons. But that is God. Recognize all his children are less than God, who doesn't need us for anything. Still, he loves to help us. God helps you let it go, whatever that might be, and he live you live again, not afraid to love, if you only allow yourself to see, the things in yourself - where you are the prodigal son, and in situations where you are the older son who bears a grudge, or a chip on their shoulder. Let it go, give that up for Lent okay, you will make us all happy. Gos is the best doctor, and faith in Him is your medicine. that sometimes needs to be washed down with some humble pie.
In case you missed the photos from Black Mountain, Asheville and Cornelius NC posted yesterday, here's a link. (in a new easy, handy dandy photo album. Thank Brad for his helping hands and neurons installing the RPM Library and doing a few php tweaks.
