Daily Gospel for March 11, 2023

Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

Today's Gospel: Luke 15:1-3, 11-32

The parable of the prodigal son tells the story of two sinful children, and one forgiving, loving father. We all are the prodigal son and the obedient son at different times in our lives. It can be challenging to recognize it, though.

Oftentimes when we hear the Gospel of the prodigal son, we fall prey to a sinful interpretation–that the prodigal son is the “worst” of the two. His sin is blatant, and it’s easy to point a finger and say that “people like that” are sinful and desperately need to repent and accept God’s limitless mercy.

Instead, we recognize ourselves in the obedient son, not realizing that this son is sinful too and just as in need of God’s mercy. This shows up in our life when we attend Mass, we say our prayers, and we live a generally holy life–yet we don’t see the rewards. Why hasn’t God blessed us the way we want? Why do other people, who aren’t as holy and righteous as we are, seem to be living a far more comfortable and luxurious life?

Sometimes, we manifest as the obedient son in a more subtle way: doing the right things for the wrong reason. Have you ever found yourself “checking boxes” for God? Do you attend a particular event to be seen there? Are you showing up for God in body, but not in heart? The obedient son did everything right on paper, yet he failed because he didn’t love his father and serve him simply out of love. All along, everything that the father owned was his, yet he couldn’t appreciate it because of his selfishness. Are you stuck in the same sin as the obedient son?

Ponder:

Do I know and appreciate that everything the Father has is mine?

Pray:

Help me, Lord, to see my sin so I may fully repent and accept Your merciful love.

Click to tweet:
We all are the prodigal son and the obedient son at different times in our lives. #DailyGospel

Copyright 2023 Maria Riley