To the prodigal's older brother when he comes home for Christmas:
It is good that he is here.
It's good that he's in your parking spot, in your pew. If he's wearing a jersey, if she's wearing a crop top, it is good that they are here.
It is good that he is here.
It's good that he's in your parking spot, in your pew. If he's wearing a jersey, if she's wearing a crop top, it is good that they are here.
I know the chatter in the church can be frustrating. I know it feels like your home has been invaded by interlopers who haven't put in the time or earned the right to be here.
Nobody has a right to be here. It's all gift. It's all grace.
Nobody has a right to be here. It's all gift. It's all grace.
Maybe you're the lady who spent an hour making sure the altar cloth lay right, or one of the 150 people I saw in line for confession Friday. He doesn't love you more than the addict who walks in high halfway through the Gospel tonight, or the teen texting during the consecration.
Your Father has run out to meet this prodigal brother of yours. Don't stand sullenly outside the door he's thrown open for you, lamenting the love you've offered the Father "with no reward." Don't complain about overfull pews. Stand in the narthex or sit on the front steps...
...or fall on your knees in wonder at these sons of God who have come home. "Celebrate and rejoice because your brother was dead and has come back to life again; he was lost and has been found!".
Maybe it's not a resurrection. Maybe it's just a "meaningless" family tradition.
Maybe it's not a resurrection. Maybe it's just a "meaningless" family tradition.
But maybe your smile, your glad "Merry Christmas," your prayers & love will make a difference. Maybe one day they'll tell the story of a Saint who was far from God but came to Mass one Christmas & was changed by the love of a baby in a manger and a church that welcomed her home.
This Christmas, be the one who runs out to meet the prodigal. However he's dressed. Wherever she's sitting. Whatever their volume or posture. Welcome them home.
It is good--so good--that they are here.
Love,
A prodigal who came home
It is good--so good--that they are here.
Love,
A prodigal who came home
If you've got a chance to speak to the congregation tonight, here's how I would welcome them:
"He knew that some of you would feel ashamed of your weakness. So he became weak. He knew that some would feel judged. So he was born under shadow of scandal...." piercedhands.com/christmas-east…
"He knew that some of you would feel ashamed of your weakness. So he became weak. He knew that some would feel judged. So he was born under shadow of scandal...." piercedhands.com/christmas-east…
