Fourth Sunday of Lent: March 31, 2019
Just a quick note about the Gospel today. It’s the story of
the Prodigal Son.
The story is about forgiveness and salvation, most
obviously.
Salvation: The Prodigal Son wastes everything, and the
Father is joyful about his return. The older son, the “good” son, is disturbed
about the Father’s soft heart, but the Father coaxes him to be forgiving also.
Hospitality: The story is also about hospitality. The Father’s
love is made visible in a banquet.
Throughout Scripture, salvation and hospitality are tied
together. Moses’ sons were named “God saves” and “Be hospitable.” The names of
the Lord are “Savior” and “God visits us.” The hospitality of the Last Supper
can’t be separated from the saving action of the crucifixion. Hospitality is
not a decoration; it is fundamental in a spiritual life.
Christianity without hospitality is a hole in the bucket in
the desert.