Psalm 33
2Corinthians 5:17-21
Luke 15:1-3.11-32
GOD IS A COMPASSIONATE FATHER
Today's liturgy invites us to rejoice and be glad. This joy stems from the fact that we serve a forgiving and merciful God, who has reconciled us with himself in Jesus Christ. The first reading speaks about the celebration of the first Passover on the Promised Land after the forty years journey through the wilderness. God renews his people by taking away the shame of Egypt. Egyptian slavery has come to an end, the manna stops falling. Now new life begins, and God is always present in the midst of his people.
St Paul, in the second reading, speaks of the christian renewal made possible in Jesus Christ. In him God has not held our faults against us, but has forgiven us and reconciled us with himself. As such we too must be reconciled with one another. Thus, we will become ambassadors for Christ.
The gospel presents us the parable of the prodigal son. Apart from all that it teaches us about the need to regret our sins and failures, to repent and seek reconciliation with God and with one another, the parable reveals to us the true image of God. God is a merciful, forgiving, tender and loving father. He respects our freedom. He forgives our faults and welcomes us whenever we come back to him.
Three lessons may be learnt from this parable. First like the prodigal son, let us be conscious of our wretchedness, our sinfulness, and repent from our evil ways. Let us ask for forgiveness from those whom we have wronged or offended. Second, like the compassionate father, let us be merciful and forgive those who ask us for forgiveness. Third, unlike the elder son, let us not be selfish and jealous about the conversion of the sinners. Let us be glad when they come back home. May the Lord bless and keep all of us in his love and mercy. Amen
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