The practical realities of our lives are great teachers!! Our family, friends and workplace are opportunities to grow as a faithful disciple and to discover we have so much to learn. I guess that is one of the major reasons why we at the parish have a book club. By reading various stories from different people we can learn and grow.
In this chapter, David comes to his senses when he realizes that he has a major role in his family as a father. He doesn’t babysit his children so that his wife could have a night off—-he realized a huge lesson from really a difficult moment. I think this is the positive reality of challenges, disappointments and failures. Humility is a great teacher but one we shy away from.
David uses the story of the PRODIGAL SON as the perfect example. We all have those moments of complete realization that we made some mistakes that cause us to change. This change allows us to discover who we are and where we need to go. In the end, it was a good thing but some would think at a high price. Knowing who we are (as children of God) and where we need to go (to God in the Church, Sacraments) is worth more than anything else. With that — we know God will always welcome us home!!
When was the last time you went to the Sacrament of Reconciliation? What is holding you back from this great sacrament of love, peace and hope? Who do you go to in the moments of despair and challenge? When was the last time you prayed over an EXAMINATION OF CONSCIENCE?
