Reflections of a beloved son

Selections from Part I of a talk I gave on the Parable of the Prodigal Son Younger son (YS) – “give me” mentality, I deserve my inheritance, it belongs to me – I take; “The son is as impatient as the father was kind” (Peter Chrysologus).   (Grasping and grabbing)   Really saying to the Father:  “I wish you were dead.”  It is usually only when someone dies that we receive inheritance. Imagine what takes place during those few days before the son leaves.   When the son leaves and sets off to a distant country, he is not only leaving home, but he is leaving himself.   He wishes to leave his identity behind.   He wants to be his own person.   How often are we tempted by this?   “Be somebody” the world tells us.   Somebody powerful, rich, and famous.   Be somebody.   We are already somebody.   We are God’s beloved.   Each one of us.   We are loved by the Father from all eternity.   “I have loved you with...

As published on the Seminarian Casual Blog “Master, it is good that we are here; let us make three tents, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah” (Lk. 9:33).   In Luke’s account of the Transfiguration, Peter was described as not knowing what he was saying when he had suggested to make three tents for Our Lord, Moses, and Elijah.   Commentaries say that Peter was moved by impulsive zeal .   In the Scriptures when tents are mentioned it is usually related to building tabernacles.   In his exposition of the passage, St. Ambrose commented, “Although he did not know what he said, he promised an observance that does not heap up the fruits of piety in indiscreet carelessness but untimely zeal.   His ignorance came from his condition, but his promise from his devotion.   The human condition is corruptible in this.   This mortal body is not capable of making a tabernacle for God.”   So, perhaps Peter was impulsive but at the core of his h...