Saturday of the Second Week of Lent

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

The parable of the Prodigal Son is always a very powerful reading to reflect on. I come away with a different lesson each time I read it, but these different lessons all boil down to the same message for me, which is that God’s love is limitless and all people are worthy of His love.

If we view the reading from each character’s perspective, we see exactly what Jesus is hoping we learn about God’s love. For instance, through the fathers’ eyes who welcomed his youngest son back with warmth and compassion, we are reminded of God’s unfailing love. Through the eyes of the youngest son who left and squandered his fortune, we are reminded of the choices we make that take us further away from God. But whether our sins are great or small, God welcomes us back with the same joyful compassion. And lastly, through the eyes of the oldest son who stayed by his father’s side, angry and confused by his father’s generous reaction to the return of his youngest son, Jesus reminds us of our own sometimes flawed reasoning of God’s love. Above everything, it is our love for God and others that should motivate our purpose.

My biggest takeaway from today’s Gospel is that God always desires a relationship with me. He is patient when I become lost, merciful when I ask for forgiveness, and compassionate when I hope to be welcomed back with open arms. And just as importantly, as I am made in His image, this is how I choose to look at my own relationships. This Lenten season and always, I am grateful to have the opportunity to be kind and merciful to all just as Jesus was.

Q: Who needs my forgiveness, compassion and mercy like the characters in today’s Gospel? 

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