The prodigal son's older brother did not forgive his brother. The older brother was angry (Lk 15:28). He excluded himself from the family's celebration of his brother's return (Lk 15:28). He was so alienated from his father that he refused to call his father "father" (see Lk 15:29-30). The older brother did not see himself as a beloved son but as a slave of his father (Lk 15:29). Although everything the Father had was his (Lk 15:31), he felt deprived and could not recall receiving even a kid goat from his father (Lk 15:29). The older brother refused to acknowledge his brother as his brother. He referred to him as "this son of yours" (Lk 15:30). Finally, he accused his brother of blowing his inheritance on "loose women," although he had not talked to his brother to receive that information (Lk 15:30).

If we don't forgive, "all hell breaks loose" — anger, alienation, family breakdown, self-pity, false accusations, gossip, and other "tortures" (see Mt 18:34). If we don't forgive, we are lost and on the road to death (see Lk 15:32) and self-destruction. Receive God's grace now to forgive everyone for every sin committed against you.

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Ralph J. Lawrence, February 13, 2001

Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 20, 2001