A homily I listened to a little while ago encouraged me to meditate on LOVE and what love is, especially for me as Vincentian.

The priest was speaking about the familiar story of the prodigal son and the forgiving father as he commented along these lines: The father both forgives and rejoices when his son comes home. It doesn’t seem to matter why the wayward son has returned, only that he has. And why does the son come home? According to the story, he is broke and hungry but not very sorry about what he has done or how he treated his father. He is ashamed of where he has ended up and is ready to look for something better. He rehearses a nice speech before he heads back home. Before he can get the words out he is welcomed with all of the love and celebration that the father can muster.

For me, the message is that my Father is a loving God who always forgives and welcomes me, a sinner. God welcomes all sinners, where we are and who we are at the time. Maybe it takes a while to recognize that. Maybe we are not always aware of how much we need forgiveness or even why we need it. It is enough that we want to return, desperate for something… for someone to take us in and show us love.

As Vincentians we are called to love Christ in His poor. That means where they are and in whatever shape we find them. We are called to love as the Father loves: patiently, kindly, without jealousy, snobbishness, anger or rudeness. We are called not to judge but to have unlimited trust, hope and endurance. Those we meet might not be ready for a serious relationship with God and the Church, but they need us and what we can give. Vincentians can be a gateway to God for people who have never known Him, if only we meet our new friends as Christ would, in His unlimited love.

Happy Easter! May God bless us with strength for our journey!

Denise

Submitted by
Denise Bondy, Chair
ONRC Spirituality Committee