Meditate on God’s Word

1st Reading:            Joshua 5:9a, 10-12
2nd Reading:           2 Corinthians 5:17-21
Gospel:                    Luke 15.1-3, 11-32 – The Parable of the Prodigal Son

Approaching the Mercy of God

This Sunday we are invited to reflect on the beautiful parable of the prodigal son. This parable offers us an insight into the unfathomable depths of God’s mercy. We are also given an example of the prodigal son to imitate. He teaches us that whenever we fall, we too need to recognize our sin, get up and approach our merciful and loving Father.

However, we may at times find it difficult to accept just how generously God bestows His mercy on those who seek Him. We may have the notion that God is out to punish those who commit sin. However, there is one particularly beautiful line in the parable this Sunday that can help us ease those fears. It says that “while [the son] was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him.”

The beauty in this passage is that the father saw the son “while he was still far off.” This means that he must’ve spent time each day looking out at the horizon, eagerly and lovingly waiting for his son to return. Not only does he see him, he then runs and embraces his son even though he was dirty and smelled like pigs. As stewards, we shouldn’t fear approaching God for His mercy and forgiveness for He longs to grant it to us. Across the Archdiocese, every parish will host a Lenten Day of Reconciliation in which many priests will be available for the sacrament of Confession. Let us take advantage of this beautiful opportunity for healing and prepare ourselves for the Risen Lord at Easter.

Summary

This Sunday we are invited to reflect on the beautiful parable of the prodigal son which offers us an insight into the unfathomable depths of God’s mercy. We are shown that whenever we fall, we
too need to recognize our sin, get up and approach our merciful and loving Father. God longs to forgive us, so let us strive to receive the sacrament of Reconciliation this Lent to prepare ourselves for the Risen Lord at Easter.

https://www.archtoronto.org/stewardship