Encounters With Jesus

Encounters With Jesus
A Lenten Minute Reflection for Saturday, March 7, 2015 
by Dcn Bob Bonomi

When we hear the parable presented to us in today's Gospel, we usually focus on the wayward younger son, or the resentful older brother, or the loving and merciful father. But the passage begins with how the outcasts were drawing near to Jesus. Or rather, how Jesus drew near to them.

There are two things that we need to be aware of when we see Jesus interacting with sinners and tax collectors. First, Jesus was not afraid to associate with them. And second, He did not compromise His ideals but used the encounters with them to show them a better way to live.

When we deal with those family or friends that have fallen away from the truth, how do we respond? Do we turn our back on them like the Pharisees? Do we silently condone their waywardness and join them? Or, like Jesus, do we love them and show them the way back to God by our lives?