Give Thanks To The Lord For His Mercy Endures Forever

Saturday of the 2nd week of Lent 

Micah 7:14-15,18-20
Luke 15:1-3,11-32

The merciful and forgiving nature of God is a major theme of our readings today. In the first reading (Micah 7:14-15,18-20) the prophet asks God to lead us on the right path and to remember His covenants. There’s a reminder that God does not remember our sins forever but that He forgives us and casts our sins away.

The great novelist Charles Dickens was asked what he thought was the best short story written in the english language, Dickens replied… “The prodigal son”The story of the prodigal son is the most well known and best loved parable of Jesus. The father in the story 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 more grievous. The older son does not understand that the feast is for him too. He allowed ego and bitterness to dwell within his heart. Ego shuts the eyes to love and forgiveness; and man ceases to see the value of acceptance, love, and forgiveness.

The message contained within this story is primarily about the Father”s love for BOTH of his sons.It is one of the most beautiful description of our heavenly Father. He is compassionate, merciful and loving. God is the one that takes our fault away, pardon crime, not cherishing anger forever but delight in mercy. Micah7:18.

The readings therefore challenge us to look at how we have lived and to 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, Do you feel ashamed of your past? Do you feel unworthy because of what you’ve done? Has your neighbour hurt you? Do you have hurtful feelings against someone? Do you count yourself holier than others?

Saint Matthew tells us:

“Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there recall that your brother has anything against you, leave your gift there at the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” (Matt 5:24)

In all, Jesus said that He came to reveal the Father (Matthew 11:27; Luke 10:22), and the parable of the prodigal son surely does this. We have a Heavenly Father who greatly desires us to repent of our sins so we can be part of His eternal family.

Accept Jesus into your life once more. Come to him and He will run as fast as He can to welcome you back home. In spite of our unworthiness God still sees the best in us. Let us thank Him for His unconditional love and exceeding favors.

PRAYER

Mercifully forgive as we pray before you this day. Deeply fortify us with the repentant spirit of the prodigal son in every one of our approaches to you for mercy and forgiveness O Lord!

Shalom

Fr Joseph Osho