Third Sunday in Lent , 14 March 2010

Many years ago I was involved in the making of a video about the life of St Paul of the Cross, Founder of the Passionists. Because I was living in Italy at that time and their budget was limited, I was asked if I would drive the ‘stars’ and the film crew around Italy to the places associated with St Paul of the Cross. A bonus was that Martin Sheen was the biggest star among those I was driving. By the end of the filming, I even got a tiny part and so I can say I have acted with Martin Sheen!

Why am I telling you this in the middle of Lent? It struck me that a great movie could be made, if it has not already been done, on the wonderful story that Jesus tells us in the Gospel today. Maybe you would like to suggest a title for the story? It is usually called ‘The Prodigal Son’ but a more accurate title might be, ‘The Prodigal Father’ because the real ‘star’ of the story is the Father. No matter how often I hear this parable, I see something new in it every time. It is a brilliant short story.

One reason is that even if a movie of it was never made, it is my story and I suggest your story too. We are in it because it tells the story of every woman and man. It is fascinating that the reason why Jesus told the story was that while the sinners wanted to hear Him, the religious people complained that He welcomed sinners and even eat with them. What a scandal! Instead of taking on His critics and justifying His way of loving and including all people, Jesus tells this parable that is heard at Mass today.

The two boys are not given names – is this because it is you and me (female or male)? There is no mention of the Mother – was she already dead and was the Father struggling to rear the two boys on his own? The younger one left home with everything his Father gave him and came back with nothing. The older one never left home and ended up bitter and sad. Is the elder son a bit like the religious people who complained about Jesus? He cannot understand how his brother, an awful sinner, is welcomed home by his Father with a great party?

It is sad too that on what should have been a night of great joy, the older son won’t go into the house after work. His Father comes out to plead with him but to no avail. Notice how the older son will not speak of his brother but says to his Father, ‘this son of yours’.

The two boys were fortunate to have such a great Father. When the younger boy finally comes to his senses and makes his way home, the Father spots him at once. Could it be that from the day the boy left home, the Father never gave up hope that one day he would see this beloved son coming back? Then, one day it happened and the nightmare of losing his young boy was over – he was dead and has come to life. He was lost and is found.

If this was a movie, the credits would now roll and we could go home. But it is more important than that. This is the story of our return to God, our Father, from our wanderings. We have often squandered His gifts and His grace. Even if we never ‘star’ in a movie, or in a video, we have a part in the greatest drama of all – being welcomed back by God our loving and forgiving Father. That is really special.

Aidan Troy, C.P. [Aodhn Troighthigh, C.P.]