The Older Brother

Laetare Sunday, the Fourth Sunday of Lent might be called the "Hump Sunday" for with the rose colored vestments in anticipation of the joyful celebration of Easter, we find some relief at this half-way point.  We find great consolation in the image of the Forgiving, Merciful Father who welcomes his wayward son back into the family with new clothes, a ring and a great feast.  It is, the joy of Easter, for he who was lost has been found. We might easily put ourselves in his shoes as we see what our Lenten efforts have done to bring us closer to Jesus and the Father.  Yet, lurking on the edge of all this joy is the older brother who is furious at all the fuss being made over his prodigal brother.  Whereas the father's heart is filled to overflowing with love and joy, this brother has no love in his heart, but rather, jealousy, anger, self-pity and coldness.  As we see ourselves as the prodigal, can we also see ourselves in his older brother?  Are we forgiving, welcoming, truly loving of those whose way of living do not match ours?  Are we loving and really part of the family?  Do we share the father's patience, and ability to rejoice at the return of the lost? Lent is not over yet, and there's still time to examine our behavior and make the necessary changes.
Bro. Rene