I lost my keys. If you’ve ever lived in the same building as
me, you’d know this is a daily occurrence and that I will often insert phone or
wallet to that first sentence. I claim it’s a genetic disposition. Today, I
lost them lost them. I was out running errands when all of a sudden I got to
get in my car and realized I was missing a set of keys- and by a set I mean all
of my apartment keys. So I did what we do when we are lost or have lost
something: I retraced my steps. After surmising they weren’t at Target, I
decided to go back to Dunkin Donuts. I thought it was a long shot but since I
was in the area it would be silly not to double-check. I asked and the kid
behind the counter reached around, plucked the keys off a hook and continued
helping his customer. I was thrilled! (Lesson
learned: don’t unclip your carabineer!)
Recently I was asked what was my favorite Bible verse.
Easily, the Return of the Prodigal Son is in the top three. Partly it’s because
I lose things frequently and can appreciate when things are found. Mostly, it’s
because I’ve been a prodigal who has taken a walk and I’ve been a prodigal in
the pew and I know the gift of homecoming is priceless. Henri Nouwen authored
the Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming in which he explained the
theology expounded in Rembrandt’s painting of this parable. Now, I am a nerd
who loves to read and I will go as far to say that I think, to date, this might
be the most influential book I have EVER read. Nouwen explains the conversion
of the younger son and the hardness of heart of the older son, and how they
each misunderstand the gift of their sonship. What I love most is that Nouwen
challenges each of us, uniquely as He has created us, to become a reflection of
the Father, imitating His most merciful heart, shining Light onto others. Talk about transformation; talk about growth;
talk about becoming!
“Christ’s parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:14-32), is
for [Saint] John Paul, a synthesis of the biblical theology of mercy…The
forgiving father, by being faithful to his paternity and going beyond the
strict norm of justice, restores to the wayward son the truth about himself,
which is the lost dignity of his Sonship. True mercy does not weaken or
humiliate its recipient. It confirms the recipient in his or her human
dignity.” (Witness to Hope, 388)
I didn’t get what Divine Mercy was until I realized it is
who He is. Mercy is God’s ostentatious
love. It is His forgiveness triumph over justice; restoration over sin; life
over death. Mercy is His torrents of life giving grace. He is an ocean of
mercy. As Pope Francis stated, “The Lord never tires of forgiving: never! It is we who tire
of asking his forgiveness. Let us ask for the grace not to tire of asking
forgiveness, because he never tires of forgiving.”
O God of Mercy, pour out your life giving spirit upon us.
Strengthen us by the reality of whose we are – Mercy’s children. Let us sit at
the font of Mercy and be restored. Remembering we are called to stop at the
fountain of Mercy before the throne of judgment. We’re all on a journey. Are
you headed home?
Verso l’alto,
Coop
Love is strong
You wanna give up cause it’s dark, we’re really not that far
apart
I once was lost but now am found
I’m coming home
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