The parable of the prodigal son is not just a story of a son rejecting a father or wasting money. One son wants to decide his own life. He doesn’t want to wait for his inheritance when his father dies to be on his own. He is telling his father that he doesn’t need or want him any more. His father must have been very sad to give him money and watch him go. Maybe the son didn’t want to go into the family business and wanted his freedom.

God, the Father, gives us this freedom, too. He gives us gifts and a place to live. We must choose what to do with them. Do we reject him and live the way we want and squander his gifts?

The son who is loyal and stays with the father is pretty angry when his brother returns with empty pockets and asks forgiveness. We can be the unforgiving son, too, not welcoming back someone who has hurt us and not letting it go. All of us are called to be the father in this story. He is the one who is faithful, loyal and forgiving. He is even waiting in the road to welcome him back! He gives the lost son his position in the family again with shoes, the family ring and the finest robe. He throws him a party!

Which character in the story are you today? What gifts will you squander? Will you stay with the father? Thank him for always welcoming you back and the ability to start over! Reconciliation is available at your local Catholic Church. Don’t miss it! God, the perfect father, is waiting for you!

Scripture Readings for Sunday March 31, 2019
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/033119-yearc.cfm LK 15:1-3, 11-32

For kids: Talk about times that even kids have experienced rejection. Do we appreciate our parents? Are we loving and helpful? We can ask forgiveness from our parents, family or friends. We can go to God and ask forgiveness too! He always welcomes us back and wipes the slate clean! What a relief!

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