Micah 7:14-15,18-20
Luke 15:1-3,11-32
The merciful and forgiving nature of God is the theme of our readings today. In our 1st reading (Micah 7:14-15,18-20) the prophet asks God to lead us in the right path and to remember His covenants. There’s a reminder that God does not remember our sins for ever but that He forgives us and casts our sins away. The Gospel (Lk 15:1-3,11-32) recounts the well-known Parable of the Prodigal Son. The father in thestory represents God and each of us is represented by the younger son because we all turn from God and try to hide from Him at some time or other. As the younger son was welcomed back with open arms, so too will God welcome us back. We must also be careful not to be like the eldest son, who failed to forgive and so distanced himself from His loving father which made his sin all d more grievous.
The readings challenge us to look at how we have lived and Ito return to the Lord seeking forgiveness for whatever we have done that is not in keeping with God’s will. Whether we return to Him sooner or later, He will always be there waiting with open arms for us to return. No matter where we see ourselves in this story, Jesus is telling us that we need to realize our own missing mark (sin) Jesus is saying that our loving Father is willing to forgive us, only if we turn around toward Him. As soon as we start straightening out our path and heading back to the Lord, He’ll rush towards us and give us a prodigal (lavish) abundance of divine richness. Do you feel ashamed of your past? Do you feel unworthy because of what you’ve done? We have the most loving and forgiving Father in the universe. Accept Him in your life once more. He will run as fast as He can to welcome you back home. In spite of our unworthiness God still sees d best of us. Let’s thank Him for His unconditional love. May He help us to be more like Him one day at a time. Amen.
Fr Joseph Osho
