Coming home

The story is told about a horse that fell into a well. All efforts to free it was unsuccessful and futile. So its owner decided to just bury the horse alive, and started shoveling soil into the well. But every time the horse was covered with soil, it would shake it off, and push itself up. It kept doing that until the well was filled up with soil, and the horse was able to walk away free.

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In today’s Gospel (Luke 15:1-3, 11-32), we hear the parable of the prodigal son. It is a very uplifting story which gives hope to us who fall into the well of sin again and again. Like the horse in our story, may we not be buried alive with our sins, but rather continue to shake them off, rise up, and walk away free.

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God is good, loving, and merciful. We are sinners, but God is a loving and forgiving God. We can never fathom the depth of God’s love and the width of His mercy and compassion. Let us continue to come home to God’s heart again and again, no matter how many times we stray and fall.

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Why do some people not come back to God? The first reason is that they still want to enjoy and continue doing what they want to do. They have no plans to change their bad ways. The second reason is that some feel so unworthy and give in to desperation and despair, thinking that they are unforgivable and beyond redemption already. The underlying reason of both situations is pride. Proud is the person who does not want to obey God; proud is the person who, in despair, doubts the love and mercy of God.

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Let us be careful that we do not fall into the sin of self-righteousness, looking down on other people, thinking of ourselves as better and more worthy of God’s love. May we not succumb to a pharisaic spirituality that belittles the goodness of other people, while taking pride in one’s perceived righteousness.

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“O God, be merciful to me, a sinner.” This prayer, said sincerely and humbly, is one of the best prayers. It makes us realize who we really are, and who God truly is! The one who says and lives out this prayer will not be proud to other people, and will become forever grateful to our loving and forgiving God. As we come closer to God, may we become more humble and more grateful.

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Have you ever cried to God in humility for the forgiveness of your sins? If you have, then you know what it is like to be loved by God, unconditionally. Then you know who you really are, and who God truly is! True spirituality is based on humility, that leads to gratitude for God’s love and mercy.

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Our trials, even our sins and failures, make us more humble and more grateful persons. Persons who have experienced brokenness become more open to God’s grace. A broken heart is an open heart.

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I celebrated a thanksgiving Mass via Zoom for the diamond jubilee of PMA Class of ’62 and for their departed “mistahs.” I reminded them to prepare for their final reunion and grand homecoming in heaven with their true commander in chief, God our loving Father, by holding on to courage, integrity, and loyalty.

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We continue to pray for peace in our country as we prepare for the coming elections on May 9, and for peace in the world, especially in Ukraine. May Mama Mary, Queen of Peace, continue to bless and protect us all. One with you in hope and in prayer, for peace.

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A moment with the Lord:Lord, remind us that our journey in this life is all about coming home. Amen.

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