GOSPEL THOUGHTS
*Ordinary Season : 24th Week : Sunday*
*Gospel : Lk 15:1-32 or 15:1-10*
*First Reading : Ex 32:7-11, 13-14*
*SECOND READING - 1 Tm 1:12-17*
*Where do I stand in the parable of the Prodigal Son*
*1) There are three important characters in the Parable*
The parable of the Prodigal Son has three important characters
The Father
The Prodigal Son
The elder brother of the prodigal Son
So in this parable where do I stand or which personality reflected in my life?
*2) The Father or Prodigal Father*
The following are the qualities of the Prodigal Father
He is merciful
He is caring
He understand perfectly well
He is ready to sacrifice for the good of the children
He is loving
He is patient
He is ready to accept his son
He goes out of the way to help his children
He is hopeful
He doesn't grumble
He doesn't blame anyone
He waits everyday for his son
He forgets the past and past mistakes
He is all good
The above qualities tell us that the Father is a Holy Man and He is like God
*3) The Prodigal Son*
His life can be divided into three phases
*First Phase*
He is arrogant
He is greedy
He is worldly
He is irresponsible
He is a slave of material things
He seeks bodily pleasures
He is aimless
He causes division
He creates confusion
He is the cause of sadness
He is proud
He gives more value to money and property
He becomes slave of everything
*Second Phase*
He loses everything
He becomes a beggar
He becomes a loner
He starvs
He becomes like an animal
He is ready to eat the food of the pigs
He loses his human dignity
He desperately searches for some food
He becomes nothing
He becomes zero
*Third Phase*
He realises his great mistakes
He comes to his senses
He realises what he was earlier and what he is now
He changes his mind
He prepares himself to go back
He goes back
He asks for forgiveness
He feels he is unworthy to become a son
*Fourth Phase*
Dignity is restored
Given a grand welcome
He becomes true son
He came to know the love of the Father
He knows the importance of Fathers house and its glory
He wishes to remain with Father
Never to depart from Father
*4) The Elder Son*
Finds fault with younger brother
Thinks he is good and obedient but his brother is one who destroyed everything
He thinks younger brother has no place in father's house
Thinks, Father did a great mistake by accepting the prodigal son
Even though he was with father, never experienced fathers love
He lived a double bstsndard life
Does not understand the importance of repentance and forgiveness
In other words he lives a hypothetical life
*5) My Position*
Where do I stand?
Who is reflected in my life?
Who is dominating in my life?
Whom do I want to follow?
Merciful Father?
Prodigal Son?
Elder Brother?
*Think about it*
*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*
*Fr Maxim DSouza*
*Jeppu Seminary*
*Mangalore*
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