“While he was still a long way off,
Luke 15:20
his father caught sight of him, and was filled with compassion.”
Reflection
Today we hear the parable of the prodigal son. One son squanders his inheritance but eventually returns repentant to his father, who receives him with open arms. The other brother is angered at the celebration held for his sibling, yet the father rejoices because his son was lost and has been found.
When the younger brother returns, his father sees him while he is still a long way off. The father must have been waiting for his son anxiously and was able to recognize him even from a distance. In fact, the father runs to his son, hugging and kissing him. This is what God does to us, too.
When we stray and decide to return to our heavenly Father, he sees us from a long way off, and runs to us with arms wide open. Even though we still aren’t perfect, he takes us back and celebrates, for we have learned that with God, true comfort, happiness, and joy are found.
Is God calling you back to himself? Will you turn from your worldly ways and instead follow Christ’s ways? God our Father is waiting for you, full of joy and love.
Saint of the Day
Sts. Perpetua and Felicity: died ca. AD 203
| “Do you see this vessel—water pot or whatever it may be? Can it be called by any other name than what it is? So also I cannot call myself by any other name than what I am—a Christian.” St. Perpetua |
The Healing Word 