Fr. Brandon Peete

How quick we are to become self-righteous and judgmental. And how eager we are to feel slighted and ignored.

Fr. Brandon has served as Chaplain at St. Alban’s since October 2025. He dedicates his time administering the sacraments, managing staff and operations, and empowering all in the community to fulfill the call to serve as missionaries. 

“Then (the elder son) became angry and refused to go in.” - Luke 15:28

Click here to read the appointed scripture for Saturday in the Second Week of Lent.

Devotional

The Gospel appointed for today is the well-known parable of the prodigal son, who travels to a distant country and squanders his share of the property given to him by his father. He eventually returns, to be greeted with compassion, joy, and a fatted calf. For he “was lost, and now is found.”

While this is a feel-good tale of grace and mercy and second-chances, I am drawn to the other son, and how too often I mimic his behavior. While the prodigal was out living in up, the elder remained at home dutifully working on the farm. He is the responsible and prudent one, the model son - head down and obedient. Yet, when he sees the prodigal return in shame, and the father embracing him with lavish delight, the elder lashes out. “I have been working like a slave for you, and I have never disobeyed your command!” 

How quick we are to become self-righteous and judgmental. And how eager we are to feel slighted and ignored, turning a situation that has little to do with us into becoming all about us. I am reminded of another parable that Jesus told - when the shepherd leaves 99 in the flock to go out and seek the one who was lost - and imagine some of those sheep who remained acted exactly like this elder. “Why is the shepherd leaving us devoted sheep and wasting his time on that rabble-rouser?”

I pray that during this Season of Lent we are able to celebrate the compassion and grace God offers, not just for us, but for all who are in need.