“I do not take pleasure in the death of anyone, says the Lord God” (Ezekiel 18:32).
Has it ever occurred to you that the father was more prodigal than the sons? Yes he was. His sincere and generous love made it so. So strong a love that he had to embrace, kissed the younger irrespective of the stench and slimy presence and at the same time ignoring the rehearsed lyrics; on the other hand cajoling the other to let go of his deep seeded hatred and envy to join in the family’s celebration.
He went out twice to meet his sons. He wasn’t interested in their faults but on them. Both instances were motivated by pure love: “I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked man, rather let him turn from his evil way and live” (Ezekiel 18:23). GOD IS VERY MUCH INTERESTED JUST IN YOU.
He killed the fattened calf for one while he told the other same privileges for you but you only needed to ask (Lk. 15:31). There was never a frown on his face at them only pure joy that calls for celebration (cf. Lk. 15:7, 22-24). Yes they were both lost: One in loosed living, the other envy and judgmental pride.
This is God in action. The pure nature of God (cf. Ex. 34:6; Lam. 3:22-23) with his fattened calf – Jesus already prepared for the celebration (cf. Jn. 3:16).
Can you beat that? God is prodigal, very very prodigal than you can ever imagine. The only one that has that large and generous heart to search for the missing against all odds even at the “detriment” of the other ninety-nine; with a guaranteed shoulder high treatment and celebration.
Wao!!! All these for real. So why are we still staying away from him? Why can’t we just let go and respond to his loving invitation? Why are we still holding onto those grudges against that person, or even against God that he is yet to settle my case but going it for others? Why are we still allowing our seemingly faults warp our focus on him? Don’t let that feeling of shame or will I ever be accepted prevent you from returning.
The invitation has not changed: “come let us reason this over….” (Is. 1:18); “return with your heart …” (Joel 2:12) for “there shall be no angry face” (Jer. 3:12). It’s still the same and there is still space for you, just don’t waste or miss it. His merciful love and warm embrace is sure, the stage for the celebration is set, the guests (angels) are all dressed up and the fattened calf, o yes, its ready. Make that firm decision now and return.
My most sweet and adorable Jesus, I still can not understand why I am staying too far from you, the “fattened calf” that was slain to celebrate me. I desperately ask for grace to make an honest and sincere return to your loving embrace by swallowing my stupid pride and shame. I must be celebrated once more in you. Amen.
Pray today with the songs: “I need thee every hour” and “Amazing grace”; Ps. 16&121 and with St. Pio’s “Stay with me, Lord.” Study the 23rd chapter of the book of the prophet Jeremiah.
SHEPHERD ME O LORD, BEYOND MY STRENGTH.
By Fr. Charles Emore