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Some Scripture commentaries suggest that Saint Luke aimed the ending of the prodigal son story at those in his own communities who wished to exclude some people from their Eucharist. Like the older brother, some in Luke’s faithful community may have resented the reconciliation of these wayward members.
God understands our needs and longs to see them fulfilled. And even when our longings are not fulfilled, God is still Lord of them. Do you think God is capable of fulfilling your longings?
Saint Thomas of Villanova was from Castile in Spain and received his surname from the town where he was raised.
Jesus tells his hearers what it takes to be a good disciple of his. First of all, your life and work has to yield results that nourish and energize those to whom they are directed. Secondly, what you leave behind at the end should have a certain tenacity about it.
We could all learn from Father Mychal Judge’s unconditional and inclusive kind of love—his accepting of others as they are.
God would bend over backwards, would go to the ends of the earth, would walk through fire, would ride through a storm, would die for the sake of you. That is an inexplicable, reckless, unrepeatable love that is so mind-boggling that only the heart and soul can begin to grasp it.
A native of Spain, young Saint Peter Claver left his homeland forever in 1610, to be a missionary in the colonies of the New World. He sailed into Cartagena, and began a ministry to the slaves brought there from West Africa, as well as becoming a moral force in the city of Cartegena.
It’s generally not appropriate for us to judge another because we’re generally not qualified to judge. We’re all limited in one way or another. None of us is fully equipped to render judgment.
These Scripture passages can serve as stepping-stones to help guide us toward contemplative union with God.
When Jesus says, “Be compassionate as your Father is compassionate,” many people feel inadequate. But reconsider: we have God’s vast power to help us, and we are deeply made to be like God—our parent and creator.
