The news these past weeks have focused on the ethical failures of some of our political leaders.  Before that we had Tiger Woods and his saga of unfaithfulness in the headlines.  Why does the media investigate and give us information about these people and so many others who have done wrong?  Do we really enjoy reading about their failures, lack of integrity, betrayal of trust and sinfulness?  Obviously these stories attract attention, sell papers and get us to tune into the news to see what is next.  The public apology of Tiger Woods stopped the regular programing.  In the days leading up to it there was speculation and opinions on what he should say and who should be present with him.  We occupy our time looking at the sins of others, but how often do we take the next step and see the road to forgiveness?

Today’s gospel presents us with the familiar parable of the prodigal son.  In reality this parable is really about forgiveness of the father.  If this story were reported today for our attention there would surely be a focus on the hard heartedness of the prodigal son.  He was so selfish and anxious to satisfy his every whim that he asked for and got his inheritance before his father died.  It was only after he had run out of money and his good time friends that he came back home.  What was his motive?  Mere survival!  He had no money, no food and was desperate.  In spite of his self centered attitude he knew the goodness of his father to those who worked for him.  At least he had the humility to beg just to be a worker.   He knew he was no longer worthy to be treated as a loved, cherished and admired son.

If this story were reported as a reality today and a poll were to be taken we would see how many people would think the father was right or wrong to forgive.  Our world sorely needs and in so many instances lacks forgiveness and compassion.  Those who hurt us cause us to mull over the pain in our hearts and through angry thoughts we feast on, look for ways to get even or put the offender in his or her place.  Jesus tells the parable of the prodigal son to lift our understanding of forgiveness far beyond the base, human level to the divine level of God.  The mere sight of the returning son at a distance inspires the father to run out and embrace him.  He will not hear the words of apology.  His son is back, his son is home.  Do we really believe that God forgives us for all of our sins, no matter how serious, numerous or repeated? The hesitancy to forgive in our own hearts makes it difficult at times to really trust in the forgiveness of others and even God himself.  We have learned from our earliest years that God always forgives.  He is that father reaching out to us and welcoming us home.  Even though the prodigal son did nothing to earn or deserve forgiveness, the love of his father showered it upon him.  This is merely a story, but what would the next chapter look like?  How joyful and overwhelmed the son had to be for such a loving father.

In many ways we identify with the elder son who gets angry that his father has welcomed his wayward and sinful brother home.  That is not fair.  He feels slighted and loved less.  The experience of being forgiven opens our minds and hearts to the goodness of the forgiver and enables us to be people of forgiveness ourselves.  The words Our Father ring loud and clear: “forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.”  Each time we come to mass we begin by asking forgiveness for our sins, faults and failures.  Then we quickly go on with faith to pray and give thanks as people who have been uplifted by that forgiveness.  The same thing happens in a much more pointed way when we confess our sins in the sacrament of penance.  We all know the feeling of relief and joy leaving that encounter with Jesus.  Forgiveness renews, strengthens and inspires us.  The longer we stay away from confession, the more we deprive ourselves of this loving, life giving act of God.

Next Sunday the theme of forgiveness will continue as we reflect on St. John’s account of the woman caught in adultery.  What was Jesus reply to the self-righteous people who brought her to him?  “Let the one without sin cast the first stone!”  But the most important words were spoken to the woman: “Has no one condemned you? She replied, “No one, sir.”  Then Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you. Go, and from now on do not sin any more.”  What relief she must have felt and what joy that she encountered the love and mercy of God himself.  Lent is our time to look into our own hearts, not at the sinful escapades of others.  Ours is not a journey of self-reproach but an opportunity to know the mercy and love of God we so need for ourselves and the world we live in.  How much more life giving it is to receive the mercy of God personally rather than just read about it or yearn for it!

Father Walden ; ;