Our lives are filled with many walkways ... many moments when we are faced with decision making. In today's gospel, once again we encounter the well-know story of reconciliation and forgiveness --- the Jesus told story of the "prodigal son." Most Catholics, no doubt, given the time could tell the story if asked. However, there are a variety of questions that can be asked by anyone who reads and rereads the words of Jesus hoping to be stopped by an aspect of the story that seems new. Let me propose the following for your Saturday prayer.
The father forgives his son. We know that Jesus, along with the Father, has forgiven us for the times we have turned away from our Father. So what might be a point not usually considered in most presentations of this gospel story?
How many times have you personally said to one or more people three words that can have significant meaning or can be little more than just a template response: "I am sorry."? The reality is this: those three words a slippery mechanism for getting through a difficult moment. What happens after these words are spoken to another? Can I not ask the question: "How serious is my sentence? How genuine am I in what I am saying?" We might say that sentence so often that within a few moments or hours the sentiments have been wafted away in even the slightest breeze.
To say "I am sorry" is but the beginning of a journey between yourself and whomever it that is hearing the sentence. Three words can hardly retore the trust and confidence that an action may have undermined. Trust is not built upon the whisp of a breeze. Trust is truly rebuilt when the heart undertakes a serious effort to restore trust in a relationship. The prodigal son was saying much more than "I am sorry." He comes home to his father with more than three words he hopes will reopen doors. His testimony seeking forgiveness is more than a moment of truly significant father-son embrace. The son openly admitted his failures, yes. However, he was also making a firm pledge to give himself back to his father even as one of the father's hired hands.
For each of us Lent and this particular gospel afford each of us the opportunity to evaluate (a) our seeking forgiveness from anyone we may have offended and (b) seeking from the Father a forgiveness for those times when we may have offended God. Take time to determine your personal attitude toward forgiveness.
