Home is where we belong; where we know we are loved and accepted no matter what. It is a place where we are called by name, where we are known.
The prodigal son returns home – to the embrace of his father: a father who had spent many years, waiting and hoping that someday his son will return.
While the father welcomes him home and embraces him, the older son is not happy. In the Rembrandt’s painting of the prodigal son, the older son clasped his hands. His hands were not open to welcome his brother. He is now estranged from his father and his brother. He refers to his brother no longer as my brother but ‘This son of yours.’ There is war in his heart.
This passage this year touches my heart deeply as I think of the war in Ukraine and the families that have now lost their homes. I think also of the families who are welcoming them in their own homes and giving them a new place where they can call home. The people of Poland have been so generous. Also, Canada, US and many other nations have been amazing in their openness to welcome these families. Thank you! The people who welcome them are showing to them the face of our merciful Father.
Some of these families fleeing their homes may not be able to return home again, some may or may not be reunited with their families ever again. Some who have the joy of seeing their loved ones after the war will still carry the brokenness they have suffered for a long time.
What can we do to help these families? What can we do to help them find new life, new hope and new beginning?
Please join us on April 8 at 5.30pm for a night of prayer and fundraiser. Invite a friend for an evening of soup and buns and Stations of the Cross.
- 5.30pm: Soup and buns
- 6.30pm: Stations of the Cross
- 7.10pm: offering for Ukraine
As we depart, the parish will share a cookie with everyone as a gesture of gratitude.
Some people have brought blankets, bandages and other things that will help children and families to feel the warmth and love of home and family. If you have anything you wish to bring, know that it will be gratefully accepted. Fr. Pavlo will send everything directly to Ukraine.
May the good Lord bless and keep us and the world in His grace and love.
Your brother, Fr. Obi