Today’s gospel, the story of the prodigal son, sometimes infuriates rather than inspires. When a group discusses this passage, there are bound to be some in the group who will protest loudly that this is not a good news story. They will claim that it is grossly unfair for the younger spendthrift son to be treated in this way. There is a kind of shock-horror moment in the story when it is revealed that the younger son is welcomed back with open arms.

And Jesus meant to shock us because there is something unbelievable and shocking in the extent to which God is prepared to forgive us. No matter what we have done, when we repent of our sins, God forgives us and sets us free! What God wants most of all for us that we be in a right relationship with him, and God will allow nothing – not even our sins – to create an obstacle to achieving that goal.

And we are ambassadors for Christ with this message of loving forgiveness, as St. Paul says in the second reading. We will not be true ambassadors if we give the impression of living in constant fear of God’s judgement. When we live with gratitude for the gift of life and a sense of quiet confidence in the life-giving presence of God with us – that is when we are ambassadors for the love and forgiveness of God. 

And there is more. Just as the father in the gospel story wanted the elder son to overcome his resentment at the return of his brother and welcome him home, so also we are ambassadors for Christ in promoting reconciliation between people on earth. God uses us to persuade men and women to drop their differences and enter into God’s work of making things right between them.

Think of when you were able to be reconciled with someone after a difference. Was it not an occasion when you felt a surge of relief and new life? Is not this part of the “new creation” St. Paul speaks of in today’s reading. Truly this is God’s work.

And it can happen again.

A reflection written by John Byrne O.S.A., from our Irish Province

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