Saturday of the Second Week of Lent
When reflecting on the readings for today, the word “extravagant” comes to mind. The definition of extravagant is “exceeding what is reasonable or appropriate, absurd.” All of the readings point to the extravagant mercy of our God. As we reflect on this scripture, the challenge for us is can we open our hearts and minds to receive this outpouring?
In the first reading, we hear about how God does not “persist in anger forever, but delights rather in clemency.” God “casts into the depths of the sea all our sins.” This immense mercy and faithfulness is unique to the God of Abraham and Jacob, and it is this special covenant relationship that is celebrated in the reading. The Responsorial Psalm further details the extravagant mercy of God. “As far as the east is from the west, so far has he put our transgressions from us.”
Today’s gospel reading recounts the story of the prodigal son. The father in the story welcomes the wayward son extravagantly giving him the finest robe, rings on his fingers and a party with the fattened calf. This does seem absurd following the son’s demand for his inheritance which he had spent recklessly until he had none remaining. The elder son cannot fathom this generous response to his sibling who had behaved so vilely towards his father. And yet, the father is able to set aside these transgressions, since he sees this lost son as being found and given new life.
As Jesus tells this story, it is the sinners and tax collectors that are drawing close to Jesus to listen. The Pharisees are judging Jesus because he is welcoming these sinful people. As I reflect on this passage, it is the tax collectors and sinners that are most likely to receive the extravagant mercy of God, since they can admit to their need for forgiveness. The Pharisees not only are judging others, but their pride prevents them from recognizing their own need for healing. Like the older brother, they stand outside the house angrily saying “not fair” and with closed arms and hearts they refuse to receive God’s love and pardon.
Receiving the extravagant mercy of God is available to everyone. However, to be a recipient of this grace, it requires a particular awareness of brokenness and need for healing. Unless one can recognize the need for mercy, it is difficult for forgiveness to be accepted. There must also be an understanding that God is not limited by our human thinking. God can and does forgive and love beyond our imagination. There is no sin beyond God’s mercy which seems absurd to us.
Judging who is worthy of this mercy is not something that is ours to do. We are called to allow this extravagant mercy to be poured out on anyone that calls upon the Lord for pardon. It is not our position to label or condemn, since we do not know the inner workings of those around us. But we are called to love and accept those who turn to God and trust in that abundant mercy.
As we prayerfully reflect on these readings, may we become aware of our human brokenness and call out to God for mercy and healing. With open hearts and minds, let us experience the extravagant grace of God as we are showered with gifts of forgiveness and love. May we gratefully accept these blessings and then take them to share with others.
Compassionate God, Jesus reminds us that your mercy is unlimited. Send your Spirit of repentance and healing upon us, so we can be welcomed back into Your arms. May this outpouring give us the courage and grace to be conduits of Your mercy in the world around us. We pray in Christ’s name. AMEN.
-Marylynn Herchline