Reflections on Confession and Rembrandt’s “Return of the Prodigal Son” 20

By Fr Jason Smith

A few weeks back I was hearing confessions in an old, cold, and rather uncomfortable confessional, the kind that our forefathers once used with a screen and two wooden doors, one on either side, so that the priest can slide them closed and the person on the right can’t hear what the person on the left is saying, or vice versa. More…

Alternate Ending to the Parable of the Prodigal Son 6

Have you ever wondered how this parable would have ended up if the older brother had been a better brother?

When the younger, rebellious son abandons his father, the father has to respect that. He can’t force the young man to love and trust him. He can’t go out and try to force his son to come back home. He can only wait, hoping that the son will have a change of heart and come back.

But the older brother doesn’t have to wait.  He doesn’t have to be passive. More…

My Son, You Are Here With Me Always 15

Fourth Sunday of Lent (Laetare Sunday) Gospel Reflection

This is a gratuitous comic. It has little to do with today’s post, unless you think about it too hard, and then it has a lot to do with today’s post

Perspective — Maybe you’re looking at it the wrong way

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The Father is Waiting for Us: Reflections on Confession and Rembrandt’s “Return of the Prodigal Son” 2

By Fr Jason Smith

A few weeks back I was hearing confessions in an old, cold, and rather uncomfortable confessional, the kind that our forefathers once used with a screen and two wooden doors, one on either side, so that the priest can slide them closed and the person on the right can’t hear what the person on the left is saying, or vice versa. More…