NEWSLETTER INSERTS - ON THE PRODIGAL SON

‘I am the prodigal son every time I search for unconditional love where it cannot be found.”

Henri J.M. Nouwen, The Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming

‘Resentment and gratitude cannot coexist, since resentment blocks the perception and experience of life as a gift. My resentment tells me that I don't receive what I deserve. It always manifests itself in envy.’

Henri J.M. Nouwen, The Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming

‘In my life, I wonder whether I have sufficiently realized that during all this time God has been trying to find me, to know me, and to love me. The question is not “How am I to find God?” but “How am I to let myself be found by him?” The question is not “How am I to know God?” but “How am I to let myself be known by God?” And, finally, the question is not “How am I to love God?” but “How am I to let myself be loved by God?” God is looking into the distance for me, trying to find me, and longing to bring me home.’

Henri J.M. Nouwen, The Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming

‘The process of conversion and repentance was described by Jesus in the parable of the prodigal son, the center of which is the merciful father. The fascination of illusory freedom, the abandonment of the father's house; the extreme misery in which the son finds himself after squandering his fortune; his deep humiliation at finding himself obliged to feed swine, and still worse, at wanting to feed on the husks the pigs ate; his reflection on all he has lost; his repentance and decision to declare himself guilty before his father; the journey back; the father's generous welcome; the father's joy - all these are characteristic of the process of conversion. the beautiful robe, the ring, and the festive banquet are symbols of that new life - pure worthy, and joyful - of anyone who returns to God and to the bosom of his family, which is the Church. Only the heart of Christ Who knows the depths of his Father's love could reveal to us the abyss of his mercy in so simple and beautiful a way.’

Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1439.

‘The parable of the prodigal son expresses in a simple but profound way the reality of conversion. Conversion is the most concrete expression of the working of love and of the presence of mercy in the human world. The true and proper meaning of mercy does not consist only in looking, however penetratingly and compassionately, at moral, physical or material evil: mercy is manifested in its true and proper aspect when it restores to value, promotes and draws good from all the forms of evil existing in the world and in man’.

Pope St John Paul II, Dives et Misericordia

‘In the parable of the Prodigal Son that reveals the depths of God’s mercy, one of the primary symbols of joy is the house where the father and both sons once happily lived. The story revolves around both sons’ exile from that house, each for different reasons. The young son went far away from the house in his lust for pleasure and independence. For the older son, it was resentment that kept him outside his home. The home is a symbol of communion with God and one another as we live united in trust and love. It is a state of life where we are at our best and most joyful – not wallowing in resentment like the older son and saying no to a life of selfishness as lived by the younger. Lent is a time to leave resentment and selfishness behind. It is a time to come home. It is a time to ‘make your home in me as I make mine in you’ (John 15:4). Home is where the heart is, and home is where God wants us to be’.

Fr Billy Swan