"Love is patient"
In today's Gospel we read the parable of the Prodigal Son. As I read through the reading three great lessons/reminders were apparent. All three in which could be added to our everyday lives.
First we have confession. After the youngest son losses everything and a famine strikes he decides to return to his father's estate, knowing that he disrespected his father, and believes he no longer deserves to be called his son. We can all relate to the youngest son in the same way when we realize our sins and go to confession. Once we stop creating excuses of why we can't make it to confession we can be welcomed by our father with open arms as did the father in the parable...
The second lesson from the parable is to remember to willingly forgive. When his son returned, the Father immediately wanted to celebrate his return. This is a wonderful example of choosing forgiveness rather than keeping score or holding a grudge because of hurt feelings...
Which brings us to lesson 3; being slow to anger or envy. The oldest son was loyal, obedient, and hard working. When he sees the party that his father has put together in honor of his brother who left, as he himself continued to work for his father unceasingly, he was overcome with anger and jealousy. He was hurt that he never received a party for his hard work. The father explains that everything he has is his as well, but now is the time to celebrate the youngest son's decision to return! We too should rejoice and be glad for our friends, family and strangers when they achieve great things rather than be jealous or long for the praise they receive. Choosing to build each other up instead of tearing each other down. We know the world could use more of that.
So as we continue through Lent may we keep in mind the 3 underlying themes of today; gaining courage to go to confession, ease of forgiveness, and rejoicing in others victories but never forgetting that the ultimate theme is Love because after all....
" Love is patient, Love is Kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 1 Corinthians 13 4-7
Samantha De La Bruere is a hair dresser in the Foxboro area, and specializes in hair for special events such as weddings. She is a volunteer for the Cancer Society's Look Good project, a member of the La Salette YD:21 Young Adult Group, was a founding member of the Pilgrims of Hope Mexico House building project and is a way load of fun!
