This past Sunday we heard a very powerful Gospel, which will especially hit home during this Year of Mercy. The Gospel readings came from Saint Luke where we heard the Parable of the Prodigal Son. I find this scripture passage very powerful and meaningful as a seminarian studying for the priesthood. Every time I read, hear, or reflect on this Gospel the sacrament of confession comes to my mind.
As humans we know that we fall short sometimes or make the wrong decisions which can lead us into a wrong paths. Clearly the son in this Gospel misdirected himself by throwing away his inheritance and living a life “of dissipation.” Somewhere in the mist of all that he comes to a point where the Truth hits him and he falls into a state of repentance. During that time he acknowledges his sinful ways and reflects on what he is going to say to his father.
As Catholics, we prepare for confession with an examination of conscience. Reflecting on where we have fallen short in our lives as Christians to prepare ourselves for the beautiful sacrament of Reconciliation. As the son is walking back to his Father’s he is preparing what he is going to saying,
“Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I no longer deserve to be called your son; treat me as you would treat one of your hired workers.”
Before the son made it back to his Father, his Father could see his son in the distance and ran to him. The Gospel states, “While he was still a long way off, his father caught sight of him, and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him and kissed him.”
In confession we open ourselves to God acknowledging our failings and He who sent his Son Jesus Christ into the world for every one of us, looks with compassion on His sons and daughters. After confessing our sins we hear the prayer of absolution which is liken to the fathers words,
“Quickly bring the finest robe and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Take the fattened calf and slaughter it. Then let us celebrate with a feast, because this son of mine was dead, and has come to life again; he was lost, and has been found.’ Then the celebration began.”
As we know mortal sin kills the life of grace within us and causes us to be lost. As Catholics we know that we have this awesome sacrament of confession which we are obligated to embrace at least once a year and when in a state of mortal sin. If you have not been in the confessional in a long time, what better time is there to return then during this Year of Mercy? If you are looking for an invitation – Take this as your invitation! Let us all embrace this Year of Mercy and reflect on the image of the Father embracing his Son. May this help us to see how God embraces us and forgives us! All of this helps get to the essence of Pope Francis’ Motto,
“Miserando atque eligendo.”
Henry Laigaie
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