The More Things Change, The More They Remain The Same

Deacon Tom Writes,

“The More Things Change,

The More They Remain The Same”

Fourth Sunday of Lent, Year C

There is much commentary today about the vanishing middle class, how they have been left behind in our new economy. Low paying jobs with no benefits, the sparsely of full time employment, and the high cost of living have combined to forced many mothers and fathers to work two, sometimes three jobs to provide for the basic need of their family. Stirred up by politicians and the media people have become angry that they haven’t been getting their “fair share” and, there is ample evidence to support this sentiment. There is a spirit of bitterness, resentment, and even hatred festering in the hearts of many people. As I read today’s gospel in light of these realities I sense that old truism at work, “The more things change, the more things remain the same”. For, as we read today, the older brother felt that he too wasn’t getting his fair share either.

I sense these are the same emotional struggles the older brother in today’s gospel had to contend with when his younger brother up and left, perhaps to “find himself” in the big city of his day. This older brother had stayed at home; he worked the farm, probably having to take on additional responsibilities because of his brother’s sudden departure. He probably felt that his father was giving away what was rightfully his by his birthright when his younger brother flew the coup. He was resentful and had every right to be because his brother violated the social norms of the times and, upon his return, seems to suffer no ill consequence. Even more challenging, he seems to be rewarded for his bad behavior. Most of us today identify with this older brother and sympathize with him.

If we spend some time with this reading, however, our eyes may be opened to the beauty of this parable wherein we are able to see how God not only refuses to see our bad behavior but also readily welcomes us back when we come to our senses. For the younger son, it was his errant behavior, his disrespect for his father and brother, his selfishness and wanton behavior that God overlooks. The older brother, too, is in need of forgiveness for his failing to recognize his fathers need to stand by his son who made a mistake and was man enough to admit it. This parable ends, however, and leaves us wondering if the older son ever comes to his senses and joins the banquet with his father.

This parable gives us insight into God’s very nature, i.e. one of  “unconditional love”. God willingly overlooks all our faults and sins and welcomes us home with open arms when we return. For God does not “count our trespasses against us”.  

We are called to forgive “seventy times seven time” Jesus tells us according to St. Mathew (Mt 18:22). Perhaps, if we practiced to forgive this many times….. we would become good at it, and things would change for the better!

Enjoy the day!

Deacon Tom

Image Credit:Act Of Forgiveness, after Giotto 1450 reproduction