In today’s Gospel we hear the Pharisee’s anger at Jesus for welcoming sinners and eating with them. Jesus turns their criticism on its head by telling them three parables (Lk 15:1-32) that show how much joy God finds in one repentant sinner. The magnitude of God’s mercy can be one of the most awe-inspiring or one of the most scandalous facets of our Christian belief. I think this was most evident in the funeral of former Archbishop Weakland. In the parable of the prodigal son, the father welcomed him home with tears of joy and prepared a great homecoming feast. Everyone was happy except the older brother who remained home and faithfully did his work. He stayed outside and pouted rather than going in and having a good time.
Party poopers refuse to celebrate others. Why is it that we have such a hard time being glad when someone else gets the promotion or receives an honor? Are we in competition with others, and see ourselves either winning or losing? Their success takes away from our glory. We cheat ourselves out of that sense of solidarity that draws strength and takes pleasure in the well-being of others.
Party poopers also refuse to enjoy themselves. There are a lot of people who miss the joy of life because of their jealousy, resentment, or anger. Marriages and friendships break up because one doesn’t pull their share of the load. What could have been enjoyable relationships are destroyed by hard feelings and imagined injustices. Life is not a perfect balance of rewards and responsibilities; nursing grudges when they could be inside enjoying the party. What qualifications do we put on our mercy? Would I withhold the mercy of God from others?
Love, Peace, Joy,
Fr. Bob
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