Scripture Reflection, March 14, 2010: Let's be Friends Again

Scripture Readings:
Joshua 5:9a, 10-12
Psalm 23: 1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6
2 Corinthians 5:17-21
Luke 15:1-3, 11-32

When I let Him, God tends to speak to me through my students.

Out of the nine second graders in my class, eight are girls. This past week there were hurt feelings at recess because one girl couldn’t play with two other girls because she wasn’t there “best” friend. This wasn’t the first time an incident like this had happened. Teaching in a Catholic grade school I was able to give them a long talk about how God was our Father, making us brothers and sisters. We are all worth the same in His eyes. We are all his children and each of us has received grace, a share in God’s life, at Baptism. God is inside of each of us, so, before we say something to someone else, we should ask ourselves if we would say the same to Jesus. I told them I wasn’t mad at them, we all sin, but we do need to apologize to each other and to God so that friendships aren’t hurt. I felt like my talk was pretty well received. By the end three of the eight girls were in tears and hugs and apologies were being given. Now that’s reconciliation.

Reconciliation. Simply put, it’s making up and becoming friends again. “Becoming friends again” is so much easier for me to understand than the word reconciliation. After reflecting on the Gospel reading from Luke for this Sunday I want to take time to look at the father, the younger son and the older son and how they “became friends again”

First, I want to talk about this father. What was he thinking when he gave half of his property up to his sons? Was he crazy? Did he really think they could handle it? My dad is a farmer and a good man. He owns quite a bit of land. I know he wouldn’t divide his land between my brothers and not expect at least some disagreements. But, I have to remember; this is Jesus telling the story. He’s not thinking about my Dad, He’s thinking of His. God is a provider. The first reading and the Psalm for the weekend speaks to us about how God provided for the Israelites and how truly good God is. God has given me lots of gifts, too. I can learn, organize, relate, bring happiness, handle stressful situations, bring humor, and teach. Was it crazy of Him to gift me so generously? No, probably not. He’s entrusted to me these characteristics to use for the good of His kingdom. I don’t want to disappoint him. I want to stay His friend.
Don’t I sound a bit like the older son?

The older son….I can identify. He’s worked hard and didn’t get a darn thing. This week I found out I was expected to take on more responsibilities in my job next year. I left my principal’s office ticked. I’ve worked for this school for three years, I’ve done a good job, I didn’t get a pay raise last year, and I don’t deserve to have to take on so much. God heard all about it. I was angry down to my core. I became a grouch. God didn’t seem like he was being so good and I didn’t want to be his friend. Then, just as the father did with the older son, I was put back in my place, too. I called a good friend to complain and she told me, “if anyone can handle it, you can.” In other words, accept it and use the talents you have to do a good job. I have to admit, after I quit being angry I felt a lot better. God and I were able to become friends again and luckily for everyone I’ve stopped being a grouch.

Now the younger son….he really messed up. But his gift was humility. He was able return to his father and as a result received his father’s finest robe.

We are already half way through Lent. This week let us look deep inside ourselves and be brought to our senses, like both the sons in the parable. In what places are we called to reconciliation? How can we become friends again with God and our neighbors? Paul tells us in the second reading this weekend, “ So we are ambassadors for Christ, as if God were appealing through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.” Let us respond to God’s appeal. Let’s be friends again.

by Emily Seiler

 (Emily (on the left) is a 2008 CoC alumna and a graduate of Southeast Missouri State University with a degree in Family and Consumer Science Education. She is now living in Benton, MO and teaches first and second graders at St. Denis School.)