In last Saturday's Gospel we heard one of the great meditations of the Lenten journey, the beautiful Lukan "Parable of the Prodigal Son." All of us have had our encounters with the prodigal, be they community member, family member, or co-worker, who never seem to be able to get it together, the struggling soul who is in constant need of our support and affirmation. Most of the prodigals we meet do not suffer the major life changing train wreck that the Gospel prodigal experiences. The "prodigals" we encounter are more likely the chronically late, the constantly lost, the always-in-crisis whose demands take their toll on our time and patience.

In hearing Jesus' story, we want to be the ever-present, unconditionally loving brother, minister, mentor, the ever-faithful friend to all. But we understand where the older brother is coming from: Enough is enough ... It's time to grow up ... Take responsibility for your actions!

The father and the older brother represent the choice we often have to make in dealing with the prodigals: offering unconditional help and support, or demanding accountability and maturity. It can be a tough choice. But, Jesus asks us who seek to follow him to always make a way for the prodigal to return, to make it possible for the prodigal to get his or her life together, to offer a hand to lift the prodigal out of the mud he or she has fallen into.

Jesus calls us to seek reconciliation before all else; to be ready to take the first difficult step to forgive and seek forgiveness. My brothers, be the "father" of mercy and welcome the prodigal you encounter today.

Merciful God, make us vessels of your mercy. When we are lost, may your mercy enable us to find our way back; when we are searching for our lost loved ones, may your mercy support us in our anxious waiting; when we are hurt and angry, may your mercy be a well from which we draw from your abundant patience and understanding.  Amen.