Daily Gospel Reflection for March 14, 2020

Reflection by Virginia A. Lieto Today's Gospel: Luke 15:1-3, 11-32 Who might you most closely identify with in today’s gospel of the prodigal son? Do you see yourself as the son who squandered his father’s fortune, or as the son who felt self-righteous and shafted at the father’s response to his brother’s return? I think we could all take claim to both viewpoints at different times in our lives. Personally, I can look back and take note of squandered opportunities that God gave me. I lacked the courage, or confidence, to take God up on His offer. Yet, God never gave up on me and continues to shower His mercy upon me, like He did with the prodigal son. Then there are other times, when I can more closely relate to the self-righteous son. I remember those times when I would see people getting away with cheating, crime, and corruption and wonder why they never seem to get their comeuppance. Here I am trying to be good, and there seems to be no reward for that. It’s at times like these, that I am failing to remember that God’s justice differs from my sense of justice. Today’s Gospel brings that message home to me. Thank God for His mercy and His justice.

Ponder:

When have you acted like the prodigal son? When have you acted like the self-righteous son?

Pray:

Lord God, help me to identify those times in my life when I squandered what You gave me, and grant me mercy and trust in You. Help me, also, Lord to trust in Your justice knowing that Your ways are better than my ways. Amen.