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Word To Life
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Sunday Scripture Readings, March 14, 2010
By Jeff Hensley
Catholic News Service
March 14, Fourth Sunday of Lent
Cycle C. Readings:
1) Joshua 5:9a, 10-12
Psalm 23:1-6
2) 2 Corinthians 5:17-21
Gospel: Luke 15:1-3, 11-32
The abundant passion of God for each of us shouts out in this week's reading of the story of the return of the prodigal son.
Depending on our circumstances, we sometimes relate to the role of the prodigal; other times to the father running out to greet him and celebrate; at others we recognize ourselves in the jealous older brother.
Last week I had a roller coaster experience of both sons in a very short span of time.
My wife, a teacher, has been experiencing heart problems and had set an appointment with a cardiologist to interpret the results of a heart scan.
But Friday, as we had breakfast together before she headed to a stressful day at school, she said she felt an odd pressure in her chest and her neck. I asked her if she should go to the emergency room to have it checked out. "No," she said, she had pressing duties at school. Perhaps later ...
Once at school, though, the woman who works with her in her classroom, a strong-willed saint, didn't give her a choice and insisted she go to the emergency room of a nearby hospital.
The hospital staff took appropriate measures: a nitro patch to thin her blood, four baby aspirin to the same end. We spent most of the day together awaiting test results. No indication of a heart attack; no shadows on the X-ray of her heart. Unspecified chest pain was the final diagnosis.
Today, the previously scheduled cardiologist appointment brought the explanation that the high blood pressure readings in the ER would explain her symptoms. But if I hadn't been up for a car repair appointment; if her classroom partner had not urged her to seek treatment, she might have had a stroke. She'd have received no blood thinners. She'd have had more of the job-related stress that had pushed her numbers so high in the first place. Who knows what the outcome might have been.
Last Friday night, I tried to feel like the neglected son -- "why has this happened to us?" -- as I worried that she might have had a small stroke, only to realize how all these things had to line up just so, in order for my wife's health to be protected. And suddenly, I was the grateful prodigal, receiving so much more than I could ever deserve -- and from the hand of a loving Father.
QUESTIONS:
Have you questioned God with the perennial "why me?" In contrast, can you recall times when God's unmerited mercy has come to your aid?
SCRIPTURE TO BE ILLUSTRATED:
"My son, ... everything I have is yours" (Luke 15:31).
END
Copyright © 2009 Catholic News Service/U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The CNS Word To Life column may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed, including but not limited to such means as framing or any other digital copying or distribution method, in whole or in part without the prior written authority of Catholic News Service.
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