Forgiveness - Far Easier to Preach than Practice

The parable of the Prodigal Son has always puzzled me. I imagine most people identify more with the responsible son who stayed at home than his feckless brother who abandoned his family and indulged in a life of debauchery.

Yet in several sermons I heard on this parable recently, the priests celebrated the return of this waster. In one homily, a bishop even berated the son who stayed behind because he did not refer to his brother by name and made out that he, the dutiful son, was the bad guy!

The message, of course, is that we should forgive those who have sinned against us.

Even Jesus knows that this is easier said than done and needs a superhuman force beyond most people. It certainly is beyond my power or even willingness.

In my case, I find it impossible to forgive one of my relatives – a sister-in-law - who did nothing to help her father and sister – my other sister-in-law – when they were dying.

Her attitude led my niece to lament “Why did my mother have to die and my aunt survive?” Imagine a young girl, grieving for her mother, saying this about an aunt. It might sound cruel but I concurred as did other family members.

This sister-in-law also exploited her parents´ love and left them to settle huge debts she ran up. This money will never be repaid.

Even if I managed to forgive my errant sister-in-law I know she would not welcome the gesture. So what´s the point of forgiving her or praying for her? How can you pray for someone who does not welcome your prayers?

© John Brander Fitzpatrick 2025