Feb 12 2017 Prodigal Son Jer 3:12b-15,19-22, 1 Jn3:7-20, Lk 15:11-32
As Preached by Sister Cecelia
The reading from Jeremiah this morning exemplified the gospel of the loving father and the errant son. Perhaps the son was aware of the verses in Jeremiah that encouraged wayward ones to acknowledge their guilt and return to their merciful God. He was certainly aware that he had not earned the forgiveness of his father but would ask for it anyway, having seen the largess of his father in his youth. This son compared his life with those least in his father’s house and employment and found himself to be far less worthy. He did not exalt himself or blame others for his predicament.
The Pharisee last week and the elder son this week compared themselves to others and exalted their own lives above others. Their behavior had been what it should be. The problem was the motivations for their behavior. Their problem was comparing themselves to the other. Had the love of God been their motivation they would not have despised or looked down on the other.
As we prepare for this coming Lenten season, what are our own motivations for what we do? When another’s actions seem better than our own, examine what our feeling and attitude is regarding both the action and the person. Are we bitter or resentful?
Let the good that we perceive in the other be an incentive to be better ourselves. If we find that we dislike the other because of their goodness, we are in trouble, but all is not lost. Turn to God and ask forgiveness and the ability to do better ourselves even in only small ways. If you find yourself comparing yourself to others, Stop! Consider your motivation for doing the comparing, either their good or bad example. We do not need to do big, courageous, outstanding deeds. If the day comes that something really big is asked of us we will be ready if we have been faithful in little things.
If we do notice other’s actions seem less than good, remember that we do not know why they do what they do, nor can we be so sure we would not do the same or even worse if we were in their shoes. If and when we resent or are angry at another, direct the mind and heart to pray for them to have the openness to change their ways.
We are no better than the Pharisee or the elder son if we get angry because we perceive good things going to those we consider unworthy. What is the cause or motivation for our anger? Do not wish evil to another but wish only that they acquire better understanding and good will, in other words, wisdom and compassion.
There are two directions we can go, neither being particularly beneficial: one is thinking ourselves better than we are and being contemptuous of others. Two is thinking we are much worse than we would like to be. That sometimes leads to becoming despondent or feeling guilty. It is easy to think or be afraid that we don’t love others as we should.
Christianity is a religion of the whole person; outward compliance alone is not enough. Real love is an action, not a feeling. The greatest act of love is to give of oneself for others. Be aware of other’s needs. It is easy to feel guilty that we are not doing enough. We are directed to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. Being good stewards of our own lives in order to care for and give ourselves for others is the rule of thumb to love our neighbor as ourselves. What is the motivation for our actions?
