More thoughts on the Prodigal Son

This past summer marked the tenth anniversary of the deaths of Mother Theresa and Princess Diana. I remember ten years ago watching the Today Show and being shocked that they spent the segment on Mother Theresa discussing those who criticized her work in India, while they spent the segment on Princess Diana praising her charitable work and her campaign against landmines. It highlighted to me in stark terms where our culture's values lie.

Ten years later, we are still talking about them. About Mother Theresa, we learned that she continued to serve the poor faithfully even though her spiritual life was often lacking in consolation. As regards Diana, we continue to speculate about the details of her tragic death.

Now, if we have really listened to and taken to heart Jesus' parable of the Prodigal Son, we should ask ourselves this question: If Princess Diana did follow Mother Theresa into heaven, for which was there more rejoicing?

We should expect that Mother Theresa, who lived her life in a selfless way, would be happy to join in the celebration, because she took more delight in God's mercy than her own accomplishments. Her joy was to serve faithfully in God's house rather than accumulate honors and recognition for herself.

Considering Mother Theresa and Princess Diana may give us some idea of the shock the older brother felt at his brother's return and the complaint of the Pharisees at Jesus' companionship with sinners. God's mercy is deeper than we can ever imagine. It can both delight us and stun us. So if we are quick to claim God's mercy we must be just as quick to extend it to others. If we desire to claim a room in God's house, we must also share our bunk with the least of our sisters and brothers.

If you're like me, you may have sat in your pew during communion and watched people lining up to receive. Sometimes we may judge them because of the way they are dressed or because of their demeanor. We may have thought that they do not understand what they are doing and are not worthy to receive Jesus in the Eucharist. In the light of Jesus' parable and the mercy he has shown us, it is clear how ridiculous such an attitude is. The Eucharist is the celebration here on earth of that gathering of sinners first begun with Jesus' cross and resurrection which will be fulfilled in heaven. The invitation is extended to us if we can focus on God's mercy and love rather than our own accomplishments and what we think we've earned or deserve.

At the end of the day, it will be God's mercy which will be praised. For who could ever accomplish so much as to eclipse the wonder, power and love of God? Who could ever be so great as to enter heaven and command more praise than God himself?