Deacon Tom Writes,
“The More Things Change, the More They Remain the Same”
There is much commentary today about the vanishing middle class, how they have been left behind in our new economy. There are many reasons for this and they have been long in the making: low paying jobs with no benefits, the persistent difficulty in finding full time employment, the lack of adequate training for the highly skilled jobs demanded by the technological revolution of the last two decades, perhaps because CEOs have decided to ship many of the high-tech jobs overseas to enhance profit margins – when will my microchips get here from Never, Never Land? Now we are in the throes of rapid changes unforeseen in the history of the inflation amid a military build to as we renew the cold or now perhaps hot war with Russia. These conditions are not new economic or social realities. We have seen how the combination of these factors has 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; that, in his own way of thinking, he was cheated out of a better way of life because of the decisions of others.
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 father’s need to stand by his son who made a mistake and was contrite 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 merciful father, penitent brother and joyful guests.
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. Matthew (Mt 18:22). Perhaps, if we practiced to forgive this often, we would become good at it. “Practices makes perfect, as they say!” Imagine if we practiced forgiving those who hurt us how much our lives would improve for the better!
Enjoy the day!
Deacon Tom
Please Visit www.deaconspod.com and listen in as the three deacons engage in a contemporary conversation exploring the treasures our Catholic faith has to offer to those on the threshold, those thinking of joining our Catholic Community or walking away from it.
OTHER RESOURCES
Recommended Reading: The Return of the Prodigal Son – A Story of Homecoming by Henri J.M. Nouwen. A chance encounter with a reproduction of Rembrandt's The Return of the Prodigal Son catapulted Henri Nouwen on a long spiritual adventure. Here he shares the deeply personal and resonant meditation that led him to discover the place within where God has chosen to dwell.
Recommended YouTube Video: Centering Prayer with Thomas Merton. This is a wonderful way to disengage from the world and tune into the quiet, tranquil world of meditation with one of the great master teachers.