The story of the Prodigal Son is appropriate to consider as we continue to reflect on the sixth Spiritual Work of Mercy, Bear Wrongs Patiently.  Growing up, I was confused about this parable.  My perspective was the same as the older brother – he felt slighted at the father’s celebration of the wayward’s son return when he had been there all along doing what was expected of him.  Where is the fairness in that?

As with many things in life, my perspective has shifted on this parable.   I view this parable in light of the words in the stained glass window in the choir loft of St. Denis Church – A Son of So Many Tears Cannot be Lost.  All of us have experienced the worry and anguish over the wrong decisions a loved one is making.  The loved one could be a child, a parent, a sibling, or a friend.  The wrong decisions could be related to addiction, selfishness, resentment – the list is endless.  We hope that our tears, prayers, tough love, and patience will one day make a difference and that the person who was lost will eventually find their way back home.  And like the father in the parable, there will be great rejoicing in our heart.

This week let us pray for patience with those who are lost to us.  May we continually shine the light of love and pray that it will eventually lead them out of darkness and back to home.