The tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to listen to Jesus, but the Pharisees and scribes began to complain, saying,
“This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”
So Jesus addressed this parable to them.
In fact, Jesus addressed three familiar parables to the Pharisees and scribes when he heard their complaint. A good shepherd searches for his lost sheep; a housekeeper searches for her lost coin; and a father eagerly welcomes his lost son.
In every case, the denouement is the same: rejoice with me for the lost one has been found. That only makes sense. Why would we not share the shepherd's joy, the woman's relief, and the father's tears of happiness?
Some people, of course, will find a reason not to rejoice.
- They'll ask, "You risked the loss of ninety-nine sheep as you searched for the stray? And you call that good shepherding?"
- Or, "How much did this spontaneous party cost you? It was probably more than a lost coin!"
- Or, "You should not have given the kid his share of the inheritance when he asked for it! What kind of father are you?"
Obviously, they miss the point. They are invited guests who refuse to attend the wedding banquet of the king's son. They are busily buying spouses and marrying cows. But they will rue the day they chose so badly.
We often use these parables -- especially the third -- when we gather to celebrate the Sacrament of Penance. But the same spirit should prevail when we celebrate the one-to-one, face-to-face, auricular confession. "Rejoice!" the Lord says, "for I have found the one I lost and sorely missed!"
The sacrament is not about my sins or my confession. It is about the Lord's pleasure at our repentance and return. It is the teacher's satisfaction when the student's eyes light up because they get the lesson. It is the comedienne's pleasure when everyone gets the joke. It is the parent's relief when the lost child is found, regardless of their reason for leaving. They were thoughtless children; they were God's children; and they've come home!
Many people fret about "going to confession" but the sacrament is not about you! It's about the Lord and his pleasure. Get over yourself and see God's joy. Hear his inviting all the saints and angels to sing and dance with him. You say you don't want to draw attention to yourself. Well, no one is looking at you! They're joining in the festivity and it's time you joined as well.
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.