He said to him, 'My son, you are here with me always; everything I have is yours. Luke 15:31
When my kids were younger, their grandmother used to spoil them. That's what grandparents do. When it was one child's birthday, the other would get a gift from grandma also. At Christmas, if one child got one present more than the other, an argument would likely follow. "He got more than me," or "How come she got that and I only got this?" Jealously and envy starts young. We see this in today's gospel from Luke in the story of the Prodigal Son. This story has many angles, but for this reflection, it is interesting to note the good son and his envy. He was faithful to his father, did what was instructed, and lived a good life at home. But he was peeved when his brother got a party for coming home. We can be like this too. There's fine line between jealousy and justice and what is fair. We see it at work and at home. One employee seems to be favored or gets a break. If we are faithful to the cause, the good employer or supervisor should note this. If we are faithful to God, we will get our just reward.
Question for Reflection
Am I jealous and judgmental of others?
Lord, help me to see the good in all, especially those who strive to return to you!
