When we hear the story of the young boy who goes out and wastes his father’s money on dissolute living we can come to see him in a positive light. After all, he does finally come to his senses, comes home, and seeks his father’s forgiveness. At the end of the story, it is the older brother we come to despise. He is so resentful of his father’s mercy.

         But the older son has something to say to us, too. He reminds us I suspect, of many people that we know –even ourselves. He is obedient, dependable, and faithful to his family. He is there when you need him. He works hard, usually in the background, helping everyone. He is loyal and you do not have to tell him more than once about what to do. He is the kind of a son that parents dream about.

 Someone has suggested that the father in this story seems to take the older son for granted. For example, when was the last time, if ever, that the father praised him in front of other people and told him that he was grateful for all his decent work? Even more, when was the last time that the father told him that he loved him and thanked God every day for him? Who knows? Maybe never? May be the father doted only on the younger son.

 So, we can resonate with the older son, too. He is like the mother who keeps the family together emotionally, spiritually, and physically, but who is utterly taken for granted, like an unpaid servant. He is like the father who works two jobs, sacrificing his own wants and pleasures so his kids can go to Catholic school, but is taken for granted. He is the loyal worker who puts in extra hours without complaining, taking no phony sick leave, but is taken for granted. He is the mail carrier, the one who mows your lawn, the nurse who works the midnight shift, but is taken for granted. In other words, he is us.

 As we travel our spiritual path, we must resist the temptation of the ungenerous heart, because if we do not resist it, we too become like the older brother. We, too, will not be able to rejoice at God’s gift of his grace to other sinners who have repented.

 Let us remember the father’s words to his older son. “My son, you are here with me always and everything I have is yours.” That is a wonderful thing to remember when our heart becomes hardened and ungenerous. 

Thought for the week: Keep in mind that something extraordinary can happen at any moment.

Smile for the week: A leading authority is anyone who has guessed right more than once!

On March 12^th I celebrated a milestone birthday – 75 (I know I don’t look it, but it’s true!). In accordance with the Code of Canon Law and our diocesan policies, a pastor at 75 years is requested to submit his resignation to the bishop. My cardiologist and the bishop have concurred with this decision. St. Theodore’s has been a wonderful blessing in its commitment to ministry and service to the community for which I am most grateful. The transition will take place here June 24, 2025, at 6 pm. More to follow ….. 

God bless! Have a wonderful week!