Gospel: Luke 15: 1-3, 11-32
The father in the Prodigal Son story is our model to follow - in seeking out the lost son, and in assuring the older son that he is always part of his household. We need this model to follow in a world of countless family divisions and religious divisions. We ourselves need to be people who go out to seek the restoration of old relationships that have soured, and we need to reassure those with us now that they are always welcome.
But how often is it the case that in homes and places of worship that when someone leaves there is great rejoicing at the departure and no desire at all to restore that person to our friendship and company. And what happens should a person who has left return? Are they greeted with welcome and open arms, or are they given a set of endless conditions to follow?
When the Prodigal Son sought to return home, he had a whole speech rehearsed to say to his father in begging to be brought back home. But he never got to finish the speech; the father already had the robe and ring with him and ready to bestow. The father had already welcomed home his son in his heart and in his preparation. If we are to restore our homes and communities of faith, we must imitate the father in his generosity to both sons.
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