Reflection by Rev. Leonard N. Peterson

What’s in a name? That question gets asked by Juliet on Act 2, Scene 2 of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet.” Her conclusion: “That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.”

On this “Laetare” or “Rejoice” Sunday, the Fourth of Lent with features this year in the Scripture cycle the most famous parable of Our Lord which we commonly call “The Parable of the Prodigal Son.” That’s not a bad name, for sure. But it omits a significant part of the story involving the elder son. And it passes over the great heart of the father in the plot.

Without claiming any originality, may I suggest that the story be better titled “The Parable of the Loving Father.” For it is the behavior of the father with both of his sons that offers a great teaching for us in that he represents God the Father.

Regarding the wastrel son who rebelled against his father in a particularly awful way, the father was a beautiful example of forgiveness and love.  I have often imagined him going out from his house each evening, scanning the horizon for that particular silhouette of the prodigal coming over the hill.  Then turning back sad at not seeing what he came for. When that son finally comes home, he gets vested with a robe and a ring with a banquet to follow.  That son represents us when we have seriously sinned against God and come running to the confessional with sorrowful hearts.

But now turn your attention to the older son.  He has stayed close to home. He has rarely, if ever, been disloyal to his father.  He has dutifully fulfilled his obligations, never seriously complained.  He represents the faithful Catholic who keeps all the rules and lives out his or her baptismal promises as best he or she can.

But then a certain sense anger wells up in their hearts when he or she notes how the observably “bad” Catholic who is so easily reconciled by a good confession. They hear the father’s kindly explanation about joy over the reprobate’s return in the parable. But they are not satisfied.

This late in Lent, the Lord is asking us which son best describes us. Perhaps we take turns being one or the other son at different times. Thank God and praise Him that God the Father’s forgiveness, available in the confessional, is present all the time.  Apropos of that, there happens to be, on an unnamed tombstone outside of Sydney, New York, with just one word carved in it: “Forgiven.” ¹

God love you and honor your name as a Christian…

1. Cited by Dr. D. James Kennedy, founder of Evangelism Explosion ↩︎

Rev. Peterson’s Reading & Gospel Summary

Reading I: Joshua 5: 9a, 10-12

The Hebrews celebrate the Passover. The end of the manna signals the beginning of a new era, when Israel reaps the blessings of Canaan.

Reading II: 2 Corinthians 5: 17-21

The ministry of the Apostles is to reunite the human family with God the Father. That mission is now entrusted to us.

The Gospel: Luke 15: 1-3, 11-32

The familiar name of the parable omits a fuller understanding of Jesus’ message, which is all about a loving and merciful God the Father.