Daily Reflections

Reflection:

We are already into a time of reflection with the possibility of change and renewal of our spirits. It is so refreshing to have the reminder that we are not doomed to wallow forever in our resentments and the need to pay back any hurt we have felt. Micah hints at a God who delights in forgiving and letting go of the ways in which we manage to try to block off God’s mercy.

As children we always had a couple of special stories we delighted in hearing again from our elders. Today we are treated to a golden oldie – in the story of the lavish, ridiculous need that God has to return our ingratitude and meanness of spirit with such delightful, unexpected, prodigal love that just can’t hold back from hugging us back into life as we try to hold onto our hurts and our indignation. The elder brother’s outrage reminds me of how hard I tried to keep my face frozen as Mum or Dad tried to coax me out of being outraged or staying hurt and uncommunicative. A question comes to me: how do I manage to be true to the relationships that define me and my life? Am I ready and willing to accept and live in harmony with these basic relationships?

It’s easy enough to deny who I am really. There is always room for change. There is always room to be changed. “Then he came to his senses and said : I will leave this place and go to my father.” It can sometimes be hard to leave “this place” that we create for ourselves. Perhaps we can spare a prayer for one another as we enter deeply into this season of rediscovering what is truly precious in life.

Fr. Kevin Dance CP lives at St.Brigid’s Retreat, Marrickville. He is very actively involved in ministries locally and at Passionist International, where he served as the Executive Director for many years.