The story of the prodigal son is one of the most famous stories in the bible because it speaks of a father’s tender love and forgiveness of his son, even after he took half of everything he owned and threw it away. How many parents today would be able to do this with their own adult child? Friends, family and coworkers complain to us that their children, are costing them an arm and a leg. You can sympathize with them because your own children keep asking you for money to fix their car, buy new glasses, go to the doctor, help with some gas money, and the list goes on.
Most parents help their children when they need it, but also resent having to do it. Some parents go so far, as to kick their children out of the house and refuse to help them any more. However, the bible says, “do not turn your back on your own” (Isaiah 58:7). Brothers and sisters, and best friends can also feel like they are being used too, if they keep “loaning” money that is never paid back. This causes a dilemma. Do you keep shelling out more money or just stop giving it to them? You may feel resentment over one decision or guilt over the other.
Maybe our choices are not all that drastic. It’s possible we may just need a change in perspective. The readings for mass today has some sound advice if we just open our hearts and mind to it. The old testament reading today calls God’s people “the flock of your inheritance” and that we are ” the remnant of his inheritance”. It speaks of God’s tender compassion and forgiveness of our sins, treading underfoot our guilt and casting our sins into the depths of the sea. God and Jesus both have shown us the path of love and unselfishness, all we have to do is follow in their footsteps.
If we are the flock of God’s “inheritance”, or the remnant of his “inheritance”, then money isn’t what God values, people are. Maybe our values are the ones that are a little mixed up. In the long run, the extra fifty dollars we had to loan a family member or friend, so they had gas until the next paycheck isn’t the end of the world. We could keep our money, (and our love) or share it with someone we care about who is in need.
But, you may feel like people are just using you when you give them money and they never repay you. Well, maybe they are. Maybe they mismanaged their money and took advantage of your generosity. However, at the very least, they know, and will remember, without a doubt, that you love them. In the long run, what is more important to you? The people you love? Or your money?
When you die one day, what will your family and friends “inheritance” be? During our lives here on earth, everyone seems to want the money. However, only love lives on, in the Kingdom of God. Life is short and you never know how much time you have left. What do you want your family and friends to remember you by? The money you accumulated? Or your love?
Love never dies. Love lives forever in the Kingdom of God, where you will one day live too, if you show your love for others in concrete ways during your every day life.
