The Prodigal Son is a popular story (Lk. 15:1-32). We are familiar with the younger son who went astray, but then his father was more than happy to take him back home. The fleeting pleasures of the world only satisfy for a while before our hearts and spirits yearn for our Father's presence who truly satisfies every longing that surfaces.

We should note the attitude of the older son and be careful not to fall into his mentality:

1. Anger revealed a sense of privilege and pride. If he wanted a goat, all he had to do was ask in humility, and he would have received, because all that the father possessed was his (Lk. 15:29-31).

2. He did not leave the house, but he was living as a stranger with his father. "This son of yours" (Lk. 15:30) signifies detachment and distance from both his younger brother and father. He failed to love.

3. We are not told if he eventually went into the house to celebrate his brother's return and share in his father's happiness. Our choices and actions can either draw us closer to our Father and each other, or keep us outside the Trinitarian life of true joy and peace.

Loving Father, through the mercy of Your Son, may Your grace fill my heart with true love for You, so that I may never hesitate to draw close to You, and choose to live in Your eternal presence. Amen.

Blessings,

Fr. Howie

READINGS

http://usccb.org/bible/readings/030318.cfm