Homily - Proclaiming the Prodigal [Luke 15:1-32]

Summary

In this heartfelt Gospel reflection, Father Michael Sparrow explores the parables of the lost sheep, lost coin, and the prodigal son to reveal the boundless love and mercy of God. He emphasizes that God’s love is not earned but given freely, as exemplified by the joy in Heaven when a sinner repents. Through personal reflections, Father Michael highlights the struggle between being the prodigal and the self-righteous elder son. The reflection concludes with a call to embrace the joy of the Gospel and to recognize God’s unwavering, unconditional love for all.

Takeaways

• 😀 God's love is unconditional and extravagant, as shown in the Parables of the Lost Sheep, the Lost Coin, and the Prodigal Son.
• 😀 The joy of repentance is central to God's message, as heaven rejoices when even one sinner returns to God.
• 😀 Jesus' interaction with sinners and outcasts challenges the religious elite's understanding of purity and righteousness.
• 😀 The Parable of the Prodigal Son illustrates the unconditional love of a father, symbolizing God's boundless love for us.
• 😀 We are reminded that we cannot earn God's love; it is a gift freely given, not a reward for good behavior.
• 😀 Father Michael’s personal reflection highlights the importance of reconciliation, even with family members, as a way to embody God’s mercy.
• 😀 The Parable of the Elder Son warns against the trap of self-righteousness and the idea that good deeds can make us more deserving of God's love.
• 😀 The Gospel encourages a joyful and merciful approach to life, following Pope Francis' call to embrace the joy of the Gospel.
• 😀 The story of the Prodigal Son teaches us about grace, the importance of keeping an open door for reconciliation, and the messiness of family life.
• 😀 Father Michael's message emphasizes that sin clouds our hearts, but God's love is always present, waiting for us to turn back to Him.
• 😀 The ultimate call of the Gospel is to live with joy, extending God's mercy to others, and celebrating the Good News of His love.

Q & A

What is the main message of the parables in Luke 15 according to Father Michael?

Father Michael emphasizes that the main message of the parables in Luke 15 is about God's extravagant love, mercy, and forgiveness. The parables highlight how God actively seeks out the lost and rejoices when they return, demonstrating unconditional love and grace.

How does Father Michael relate to the parable of the prodigal son?

Father Michael shares that, as a Jesuit and priest, he has identified with both the prodigal son and the elder son. He acknowledges his own moments of sin and need for repentance, as well as times when he has struggled with feelings of self-righteousness, much like the elder son.

What does Father Michael mean when he says 'God is crazy in love with us'?

By saying 'God is crazy in love with us,' Father Michael means that God's love is unconditional and goes beyond all logical understanding. He highlights that God’s love is not based on our deeds or worth, but is a gift given freely, as shown in the parables of the lost sheep, lost coin, and prodigal son.

Why does Father Michael mention Pope Francis' 'The Joy of the Gospel'?

Father Michael mentions Pope Francis' 'The Joy of the Gospel' to emphasize the importance of joy in the Christian life. He stresses that the Gospel is good news and that Christians should embody joy as they share God’s love and mercy, as seen in the joyful celebrations in the parables.

How does Father Michael explain the relationship between good deeds and God's love?

Father Michael explains that good deeds do not make God love us more, nor do our sins make God love us less. Good deeds open our hearts to God’s love, while sins can cloud our ability to feel that love. However, God's love is always present, just like the sun is always shining, even when clouds block it.

What personal experience does Father Michael share to illustrate the importance of reconciliation?

Father Michael shares a personal experience of reconciling with his younger sister, Trish, by apologizing for past wrongdoings. This moment of reconciliation helped him reflect on how he has sometimes treated others unfairly, highlighting the power of asking for forgiveness and the importance of repentance.

What role does the father play in the parable of the prodigal son, and why is it significant?

In the parable of the prodigal son, the father plays the role of a 'prodigal' figure, meaning one who is extravagant in love and mercy. He waits with open arms for his son’s return and does not hold grudges, which is significant because it illustrates God’s unconditional and abundant love, even when we stray.

How does Father Michael view the behavior of the elder son in the parable of the prodigal son?

Father Michael sees the elder son's behavior as an example of someone who feels entitled to their father’s love due to their faithful actions. The elder son struggles with jealousy and resentment when the prodigal son is welcomed back, teaching us that God’s love is not something we can earn or deserve—it is a gift.

What does Father Michael mean when he says that our sins 'block God's love'?

Father Michael suggests that our sins can block or cloud our ability to experience God's love, much like how a solar eclipse can block the sun. While God's love is always there, our actions and choices can make it harder for us to feel or recognize it.

What lessons about parenting and relationships can be drawn from the parables?

Father Michael explains that the parables teach us about the importance of mercy, forgiveness, and unconditional love in relationships. The father's behavior in the prodigal son parable demonstrates how parents should be patient, always ready to welcome their children back with open arms, no matter how messy or difficult the situation may be.