Reflections on the Prodigal Son
Written by Sr. Susan Marie Krupp, ASCJ
The Sunday Gospel for the fourth week of Lent is one with which we are very familiar— the story of the Prodigal Son. Instead of sharing my own thoughts on the reading, I am inviting you to take time this week to reflect on the three main characters, to put yourself into each of their roles.
The first character is the Wild One, the Prodigal Son.
Q: When do you want to leave responsibility behind? When your children seem too much to handle or when work responsibilities seem too burdensome? When you’d rather read a book or watch a movie instead of doing what you must do?
All of us have been there. We want to run, we want to give up...
What does Jesus tell us then? "Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light." (Matthew 11: 28)
The second character is the Jealous One, the older brother.
Q: When have you sized yourself up to another person? Looked at what another has and what you have not? Longed for the gifts of another when your own gifts seem so insignificant?
We’ve all be there. We want to cry out, “Why me?” We want to see how we can be the favored one. We look at what we don’t have...
Instead, we need to listen to the words of St. Paul: "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness. I will rather boast most gladly of my weaknesses, in order that the power of Christ may dwell with me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)
The third character is the Open One, the father.
Q: When have you loved foolishly? When you’ve given or forgiven your children, even when they don’t deserve it? When you felt moved to do something out of love? When others looked down on you because of your actions?
We’ve all been there. We love when it makes no sense; we sacrifice for a greater good...
What does God tell us? “With age-old love I have loved you; so I have kept my mercy toward you.” (Jeremiah 31:3)
Take time during this fourth week of Lent to listen to God in all the situations life presents – and to love lavishly!