"Your brother has come!"

I have always enjoyed the story of the Prodigal Son (Reference Luke 15:11 if needed). I have always thought of it as having two meanings for us to apply to our lives: The obvious, which states that no matter what we do, God will always welcome us home, and the often over looked, which states that God always takes care of us while we are faithful. I will be focusing on the second point.

There are so many wonderful people who have become Neophytes (came into full communion with the Church) with their story of "Coming home." It is a very warming and welcoming sight to see and story to hear. But what about those of us who were Cradle Catholics (Catholics by birth)? Why don't we get to experience these tremendous experiences? Why don't we get this shower of God's love? The father in the parable explains it quite well:

"Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours."

Now, don't get me wrong. I am not saying that we "have never disobeyed" God. I know I have many times, as I am sure the other son had disobeyed his father. We, just as the other son, become blinded by jealousy and overlook our own transgressions when complaining to God. But this is the amazing part: God does not correct us. He does not say "Hey, you did disobey me." but instead says "all that is mine is yours." How joyous we should be! All that is God's is ours, including salvation! During this Easter Season remember this story. Remember that no matter which son you are, you have had your faults, but God will either bring you home, or he is already keeping you there even though you are unworthy.

Welcome to Holy Week

Welcome to Holy Week: The most saddening and most joyous week of the year.
The week started off with Palm Sunday. On Palm Sunday we went from the first Gospel which showed Jesus entering in a king like fashion to the second Gospel where Jesus was brutally murdered like a hardened criminal. This really sets the tone for the whole week.
Next up is Holy Thursday. This is the day of the Last Supper. This is where Jesus said that he is giving himself to us. It is also the day that he revealed how sin would kill him. The Catholic church bases its weekly (and optional daily) Eucharist on this day.
Good Friday. This name may seem deceiving, but it is true. Yes, on this day, we all were responsible for killing our own savior. Yet this is part of God's will and is the only way to save us.
Holy Saturday follows. What grief must the apostles have felt seeing their Messiah and friend die, and buried in the tomb. If only they had faith in what Jesus had told them! "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up."
Easter Sunday! This is the most joyous day of the year! Jesus is risen! Jesus has conquered sin and death for everyone!

So, I urge you to take a moment for reflection every day. Go to a quiet place, kneel down before a cross, look into the face of Jesus and look at the nails and thorns you have placed into him. Then after you acknowledge you are a human who is plagued with sin, remember God's love for you. Remember, there is no greater love than to lay down your life for a friend. Jesus has given up his life, a life so pure and holy, for all of us, a group of sinners, so that we may not have to suffer the way he did.