The Lord put on my heart this morning of the Parable of the Prodigal Son. Click here to read Luke 15:11-32.
God reminded me in no uncertain terms that through my life, I have played the role of both brothers.
For years I took from God only as long as He left me alone. If He gave me what I wanted when I asked, I was happy. If God withheld something from my prayers, I would get upset and ignore Him. God was very much like my prayer vending machine. I would put a prayer in the slot, if I got my prize out, I would walk away happy (the key to this is I would walk away). If I put my prayer in the slot and got something I didn’t want or nothing, I would kick the machine and walk away angry.
When I joined the USAF and went overseas, I had no need at all for God. God had given me so many blessings and riches, but I went away like He was dead. Even then I would cry out to Him when in need like a selfish brat expecting God to come running to help me when I could care less all the other days of the week.
In my pride, I’ve been the elder son, thinking I am so much better because I now stay close to God. I pray, read spiritual writings, lead groups and go to Mass – so I deserve more than those who don’t look at God at all. Of course! God even speaks to me, telling me, “everything I have is yours.” As a spoiled brat, I respond, “why is he getting a party then?” Why then, am I not worthy of extra blessings at least. Sort of reminds of my the Pharisee and Publican.
Then, God reminds me that it is He Who is the Prodigal Father. It is He Who has watched over me and loved me when I ran from Him. It is He who earned all the riches that I am being given in my life – earned upon the Cross. It is God the Father Who watched over me from hidden recesses when I was striking out on my own so that I wouldn’t know He was working behind the scenes to keep my safe. I tried to run and hide, but, the Father was always there looking from hiding to make sure I was safe and cared for.
It is He Who is my Father and has blessed me with all He has, simply because He loves me. He gave up all His riches and stature to me. Simply because He loves me. “God is love” 1 John 4:16
God, our Father, loves us so much and so passionately that there is no distance or amount of pride that His Love won’t overcome. He loves us so much that His Son came to earth to pursue you and die for you that you may be given His robe of glory – a robe soaked in His Precious Blood.
Sit today and meditate upon the paths you’ve walked in your life. Turn around and look behind the scenes for God’s presence in those moments of strife and struggle.