The Forgiving Father and
Adulterous Woman
Last weekend and this weekend our Eucharistic liturgies are guided by two of the most powerful reconciliation stories in all of scripture. Last week’s passage is commonly referred to as The Prodigal Son, but I believe the most descriptive title is The Forgiving Father. The prodigal nature of the younger son is not the big news of the passage, rather the forgiving nature and action of the father toward BOTH sons is what is most important.
The father’s forgiveness is the glue that holds the story together and is a demonstration of parental compassion that I am sure is very difficult to juggle and balance. I am not a parent so I cannot speak from experience, but because the Gospels, in fact all scripture, should be reflected upon more symbolically than factually, the stories hold much spiritual insight for all of us.
The father in the first story sees the prodigal son while he is still a long way off. He is an example of how our loving Father sees us when we are far from home, lost or off track.
There are three significant mentions of the death to life, lost and found pattern. First, the son asks for his share of the inheritance, in effect wishing the father was dead (the normal time an inheritance is given), and the father is the catalyst for welcoming his son to a new life. Secondly, the father’s reason for the party and celebration is that the younger son was dead and now lives. Thirdly, he states the same pattern to the older brother who is jealous of the unfair treatment that his sinful brother has received in comparison to his responsible and devoted nature to the father’s enterprise. Finding the lost and awakening the dead are big reasons for parties.
This week’s story of the Adulterous Woman shows the masterful nature of Jesus’ compassion. The law says a woman caught in adultery should be stoned (no mention of the punishment for the man). The condemning energy at the beginning of the story is focused on their law and her sin. With one statement, Jesus turns the focus to the experience and the hearts of everyone present. “Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to cast a stone at her.”
As we GROW this Lent, let’s find the lost and live past death. Let’s also keep the focus on our own need to GROW and not worry so much about others who don’t.
Rest in Peace Kevin Cafiero, brother of our beloved Friar Johnpaul Cafiero
JP’s younger brother passed away this past week at his home in Pennsylvania. Please keep JP and his family in your prayers.
Congratulations Dr. Kate O’Brien
Our Holy Family Catholic Academy Principal Kate O’Brien has completed her studies earning an Ed.D in Education Administration and Supervision from Loyola University in Chicago. For the past three years Kate has juggled being a mother of three, a marriage partner with her husband John, a friend to many and all that goes with her responsibilities as the primary leader of our Academy. Kate defended her Capstone Project this past Monday which involved implementing a multi-tiered support system enabling all student growth, particularly in reading, which is also one of the strategic plan goals for our Academy.
Please congratulate Kate when you see her.
