Fourth Sunday of Lent - A Reflection by Fr. Leo
When I first pulled up the readings on line for this 4th Sunday in Lent and read the Gospel, I thought, “here we go again, a so familiar story that needs to sound new again.” Then when I started to read and think about it I got all excited because of the new way I understood the story. I realized age makes a difference. Time, experience, reflection and prayer made this a new and exciting story for me again.
So this time, the idea of each of us being a bit of all three subjects in the story went deeper. Most importantly, I realized it is good and ok to be each of these subjects. I don’t think we can become one without the other. Let me start with the younger son.
The younger son was spoiled and self-centered. I would doubt his older brother, being the oldest and more responsible, had much love for his little brother. The young man wants it all and he wants it now. He takes his money and buys as much fast-fun that he can buy. He was probably on top of the world until his imprudence caught up to him and it all came crashing down. The consequences of his choices left him with a life unfit for even a pig. It was only then that he came to his senses. His false ego smashed, he remembers the love of his father. Returning home his father embarrasses himself by running to embrace him. The son’s confession is for him, not the father. His father didn’t want it or ask for it, it was the young man’s way of owning the wisdom he had gained. Indeed such a moment is something wonderful to celebrate, and the father made sure it happened.
The young man needed to take his belongings and go. It was the only way he was going to grow. The beauty and power of the story is that he grows up! Awesome. This is real spirituality, not the sin and guilt routine of a misguided use of confession. As I look at the story I can see the family all gathered around years in the future, and laughing with the once young man over his road to adulthood. I bet too, that he became a great dad.
A part of us may still be out on the town and many of our young people today are. It’s part of growing up. As a community, the best thing we can do is be understanding and hope that all of us will come to our senses sooner than later. Awakening to the love of God can come through many different experiences. For the young man, it was pain in the shattering of his ego driven life. It’s not uncommon for people to hit bottom before they finally see the light and work toward living a sound and sober life.
We all have what might be a shadow side, but as St. John the XXIII said, “they only accent the light.” This week let us ponder how we were and how we are still wonderfully prodigal. What wisdom did we gain and what wisdom could we still gain?
The Father, wow, what love to let his son go. Such freedom in his love. So unconditional! I hope God is someone we can all feel free to go home to, even in our worst moments. Trusting in God’s love can turn those moments into breakthroughs, something to celebrate in a big way, because we have learned one of the great life lessons we came to earth to learn.
The young person who “grows” up can become the Father in this story. And perhaps the one who never risks love may get hung up like the older brother. There is so much more in this story. Reflect on how you are each of the subjects in this story and know it is okay to be them, because in the end you will discover you are all three, and discovering that is a source of endless wisdom and life. Our shadow side becomes a pillar to build upon and a source of light wisdom for all.
In your small group this week, think about sharing one of your stories of awakening. You will know you are ready to share when laughter replaces embarrassment.