CP W3 D3 The Lost Son - Sanctifying Grace (Luke 15:11-32)

We examine The Parable of the Lost Son again today from the viewpoint of the older brother, wondering why he reacted this way to his younger brother's return. I've had reactions like this in my past... at times where for whatever reason, I refused to join the party. The specifics of each time are different, but the motivation is usually jealously or being judgemental of some form or other. Somebody is getting something I wanted, or someone who I don't think deserves it is getting recognized.

Our reflection points out that despite staying with the father, the older son's heart was very far away from his father's generous and merciful heart. So despite his never leaving home, the older son is really far away from his father. We are asked to think about places in our lives where we are far away from God. Our reading also points out that it is God's Sanctifying (or growing) grace that helps us widen our hearts to others.

In the parable, the older son is angry because because he was never given even a goat to celebrate with his friends. I wonder if he ever asked for one?

I wonder that because many of the time when my narrow heart caused me to refuse to join the party, it was because I was jealous of something given to others but not me. In reality, the same gift or recognition would be mine if I only asked.

The same is true in my pilgrimage with Christ. Years ago, I felt strongly that God's love was only for "the worthy" (however I defined it at the time). This group or that group obviously didn't qualify for God's love and acceptance, and when God opened his doors to one of "them", I cringed inwardly and refused to celebrate. Over the years, however, my view (my heart) has widened and I now realize that God loves us all (perhaps even me), and I've been able to widen my heart because of that love.

That is Sanctifying Grace in action.