Oh, There is Joy, Joy, Joy, Joy, Down in My Heart

This past weekend, the Church celebrated Laetare Sunday. It falls halfway through the Lenten Season, with a call for us to be joyful, because we know Christ will be victorious when He rises from the dead on Easter. The Gospel reading was from Luke, Chapter 15 – The Prodigal Son. In this parable, a man has two sons. The younger son asks for his inheritance early and leaves only to squander the money away, while the older son remains with his father, working in the fields, always faithful. One day, the younger son returns, and the father, who is filled with joy, throws a party to celebrate, much to the chagrin of the older brother.

This parable is a cornerstone in the Religion curriculum for second grade as students prepare to receive their First Reconciliation and First Communion. Teachers try to impart on their students the importance of doing what is right, while also teaching about the importance of forgiveness. Most of us relate with the older son: we strive to do our best, to follow the rules, and to treat others with respect, so when we see others who act differently, it is not uncommon for us to look down on them or criticize them. Yet Jesus teaches us that everyone is a sinner and we all fall short, in one way or another. As Jesus forgives our failings, so, too must we try to not only forgive one another, but also accept others as they traverse on their journey toward holiness. We are all in different places on the path, and we should not judge others who are maybe not yet at a point that we have reached.

Our students often understand the nuances of this lesson better than many adults. Parents sometimes have a difficult time forgiving the classmates of their children when a conflict arises and carry these memories from grade to grade. And most of us probably have members of our own families who are at odds with one another. These arguments can continue for many years, even leading to estrangement amongst loved ones. In some cases, of course, there may be valid reasons, but we are asked, if at all possible, to never give up hope, to continue to believe that people can change, and to forgive past grievances.

So, in these final weeks of Lent, consider which relationships might need a bit of mending or some tender loving care. God is rooting for ALL of us to be joyful, because the best is yet to come.

In Mission, Kathy