Psalm 62: “In you alone is my soul at rest. My help comes from You.”

So often as adolescents we come to the conviction that we would be so much better off if we could get away from this oppressive family and religion and live our own free life. We feel we must strike out, find our own way, even if it looks mistaken to our family.

Undoubtedly, some experiment, some breaking of the bonds is necessary and those of us who are on the parent end need patience and great understanding. Part of it is our need as we mature to find ourselves, assert our independence. As we might know all too painfully, this leaving home can be anything from civil and orderly to brutal and disruptive.

The revolt of our children or our revolt our parents is often rough and unpleasant. Parents, as is one lesson of the famous Parable of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15, have to keep the doors open, allow for communication. The son or daughter might not see any need for that--at the moment. But a welcoming, forgiving parent is often needed when the prodigal discovers that there are, after all, some genuine values at home.

Most of us have the rich opportunity at some time or other in our lives of playing from the heart the forgiving, welcoming mother or father. We have been forgiven much; it was always on condition that we would forgive, too.

Psalm 27: “I believe I shall see the Lord’s goodness / in the land of the living.

Wait for the Lord; be strong; / be stouthearted, and wait for the Lord!”

Reply to Fr. Don at: DTalafous@csbsju.edu

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