The readings today are all about forgiveness and rejoicing in growth and conversion. If we truly believe that “The Lord is kind and merciful” we need to accept that “The Lord is kind and merciful” to all - even those we do not believe “deserve” kindness and mercy. If we are resentful of others or of situations because, in our eyes “it just doesn’t seem to be fair” we are reminded to take a step back, to try not to judge, and to consider “What Jesus would do?”
God’s ability to forgive, especially in times of personal growth and conversion is beyond our understanding. We are not privy to truly understanding the suffering or the conversion of another, so we must simply pray that God will intercede, especially in situations where we cannot control the actions/decisions of others.
In the Gospel today, the conversion of the younger son does not make the relationship with the older son less than before-rather it shows how we must trust, and pray for growth and conversions of many kinds, and then rejoice- as this father did. ” But now we must celebrate and rejoice, because your brother was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.”
Member of Creighton University Community
Since its inception in 1997, Online Ministries has been blessed to have myriad members of the Creighton University community offer their personal reflections on the daily scripture readings.
