Readings (Year C):
Joshua 5:9a, 10-12
Psalm 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7.
2 Corinthians 5:17-21
Luke 15:1-3, 11-32
Reflection: Pause in the time of uncertainty
Familiarity with the parable of the prodigal son may breed superficiality. Hearing the parable year after year might cause us to breeze past the hardship, knowing that a beautiful scene of contrition, mercy and fundamental goodness awaits. No judgement here. After all, we need stories of grace that reassure and speak to our hearts, especially in difficult times. The story of the prodigal son certainly is that. But what if we didn’t race to the end? What if we didn’t know the conclusion by heart? What if we, like the father, just saw a son going further and further down a bad path, not knowing what would happen next?
How many of you know that experience? How many of you have watched a child start down the wrong path, and watched with deep anxiety as they made bad choices? How many of you have had a close friend or loved one head down a path of self destruction, rationalizing that this is just a phase they’re going through, or in denial about how bad the situation might be? As a teacher, I’ve watched students head down difficult paths knowing they could soon be asked to leave the school or not graduate. I know the frustration of trying to find ways to persuade them to change as they persist along misguided paths.
Perhaps like so many parents the father in the parable had exhausted himself with different methods and strategies to help his son, teaching, punishment, charity, rewards, and ultimatums until finally, the son breaks his heart completely, asking for his inheritance and then leaving. You can imagine the horrible mix of emotions this could cause: guilt, sadness, fear, questioning “was there something I could have done differently?” Remembering good times and wondering how they got here. Perhaps worse still is the feeling of helplessness. Knowing there’s nothing further that can be done and knowing that his son hasn’t hit the bottom.
Here’s where we likely want to skip to the end, jump to the happy reconciliation. But let’s pause here instead. Let’s pause here because while this is a place no one wants to be, unfortunately all too many of us find ourselves here. This long waiting not knowing if things will get better and not being able to do anything about it. Sadly, these are also things we don’t talk about. We’re not good at revealing our hurts or risking vulnerability. The father in the parable likely doesn’t want to share his hurt and his concerns with his neighbors. Yet the extent to which he rejoices at his son’s change of heart shows the depth of his own suffering.
And while our readings today highlight God’s mercy and the new beginnings God creates, let’s not forget the father in his time of suffering in silence. In fact, we might consider the parable an invitation to extend mercy to those like the father, stuck in that horrible place of watching someone they care for make bad choices. It’s hard to show mercy when people don’t let us know they’re suffering. Some may hide it well while others might appear unkind and irritable without reason. Can we offer grace and mercy without knowing the reason? I know that sounds hard, but think of the difference it could make.
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