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MUSIC NOTES (4th Sunday of Lent)

“Taste and See the Goodness of the Lord”
Psalm 34 (#47 in Gather Comprehensive, Music by Marty Haugen)

Like me, you've probably heard and read Jesus' parable of the prodigal son many times, and found that the emphasis of the lesson is usually on the wayward brother. No matter how horrible his behavior was, no matter how much he did not deserve his father's forgiveness, he received it anyway.

The one we often overlook is the other brother, grumbling outside while the party is in full swing. Many of us, if we're to be totally honest, secretly relate with him. It just doesn't seem fair. There he was, faithful and obedient all those years, and the one who messed up got showered with attention just because he did something good for once.

What's interesting to notice at the end of this parable is which one of the brothers finds himself inside the father's house at the end of the story.  Yes, the younger brother was a sinner, but he came back and said sorry…he had nothing left.  Completely at his father's mercy, he gives himself fully over.  When he was totally open and vulnerable, he then finds peace and joy.  So, here is the lesson that the older brother doesn't see: God is the source of all goodness.  When we think we can earn it ourselves, when we compare ourselves with others and stand in judgment of others, we're never open to receive God's goodness.  

If we want to experience God's forgiveness, we also need to learn how to be forgiving to others.  In order to be reconciled with God, we need to learn how to be reconciled with all those who are sources of conflict or pain in our lives.

In the end, it is not a question of how many sins we've committed, or even how horrible our sins are.  It is rather our own humility and our sincerity of saying sorry, that matters most.

Have a wonderful week!

Catherine
catherine.mueller@abecket.org

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