The story of the Prodigal Son reveals so much the Father’s intense desire to be reconciled with his sons. He is always pursuing them, becoming humble in their arrogance, confident in their doubt and hopeful in their reconciliation.

Jesus’ ministry was often about forgiveness, eating with sinners, forgiving sins publically, gently preaching about His Father’s unbounded mercy.

The Father even offered His Son’s life so we could wake up and hear His voice calling out in love: the cry of welcome, mercy and reconciliation.

My friends, the reason Jesus gave us this parable is so that we would listen and imitate the Father’s actions toward His Sons. He gave us this parable as way home. Like the younger son, be humbled by your weaknesses and come to the Father on your knees. Beg Him for forgiveness and you will be saved. Don’t be like the older brother who in his arrogance and self-absorption saw nothing but himself.

The Church needs your voice, your mind and your example to speak the words of the Father to his eldest son: “Child, you are with me always. Everything I have is yours.”  The Church needs for you to live in the radiance of His love with joy! It is the original Christian virtue; it was what attracted Christians not only to baptism but also to martyrdom.

“Who is there like you, the God who removes guilt and pardons sin for the remnant of his inheritance, who does not persist in anger forever, but delights rather in clemency.”

Let yourselves be reconciled with God so you can more effectively proclaim the way to healing and love for others.