Today we hear a story about a dramatic family situation which for centuries has been called “The Prodigal Son.” We all know who that refers to, right? The wayward, “wild child” who squandered his dad’s money on wine, women, and song.
 
Well, maybe not. Some theologians suggest that perhaps this story should be re-named “The Prodigal Father.” Because the word “prodigal” can refer to a wasteful spendthrift or to someone who is extravagant in their generosity and love—forgiving beyond all boundaries, as the father in this story did. It is this last definition that gave the Pharisees problems.
 
They asked Jesus, “How can you eat and drink with sinners?” For Jesus, the love of God is almost the opposite of their ideas of how a good, “righteous” Jewish father should behave. Because the father’s forgiving actions were very shocking to Jesus’ listeners.
 
In the Middle East, if a son demands his share of the inheritance early, it is his way of wishing his father dead. When the son finally crawls home, no one can believe it: the father sees the son and runs to him. As the gospel says, "Then the celebration began.”
 
What about the older son’s jealousy? God always says to us both “Welcome home” AND “Beloved, you are with me always, and everything I have is yours.” All of us at some point are both of those brothers. We can also be the forgiver for the troubled one who needs extra understanding, and for the jealous one.
 
“Why do you eat with sinners?” Jesus answers: Because God rejoices and invites us to rejoice, too. Will I join in the rejoicing? One moment of true repentance, or of true forgiveness, is all that is needed.
 
COLLECTION COUNTERS – We are in need of collection counters. The counters meet on Monday mornings, usually between 9 a.m. – Noon. Counters, like all parish ministries, must have their clearances. If you are available, please call the parish office.
 
CONFESSIONS – This Wednesday, March 30th, Resurrection Parish, will join all the other parishes throughout the diocese in offering confessions to help the Faithful to prepare for the upcoming celebration of Easter.
Confessions will be held at both churches from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
 
Bishop Zubik, who as you know, is recovering from shoulder surgery, will visit our parish twice in the upcoming weeks:
 
Friday, April 1st: Bishop Zubik will celebrate Stations of the Cross along with Adoration and Benediction at 7:30 p.m. at St. John Capistran Church. All are welcome to pray and attend.
 
Sunday, April 3rd: Bishop Zubik will celebrate the 11:30 a.m. Mass at St. Thomas More Church to administer to our Seminarian, John Ferguson the Rite of Candidacy. This is a formal declaration that John makes confirming his intention to seek ordination to the priesthood. A good comparison is an engagement period for people who intend to get married. All are welcome and encouraged to attend this mass. A light reception will follow in the Family Life Center.