THE PRODIGAL FATHER

Saturday, Second Week of Lent, Year C

Micah7:14-15.18-20/Luke 15:1-3.11-32

We read today the popular parable of the prodigal son, or should we say “the prodigal father”. Indeed it is difficult to say which of the two is more prodigal: the son with his inheritance of the father with is love. It is a story that regards all of us in our relationship with God, a story we can all relate to.

This young man was fine in his father’s house. He had all he wanted because his dad was both rich and loving. It seemed that the one other thing he subtly craved for was freedom from his father’s love. One can be so loved to the extent that he desires to be loved no further. That was how the young man asked his father for his share of the inheritance which was an awkward thing to do considering the fact that an inheritance should normally apply to the heir only after the death of the owner.

But this indulgent dad obliges his son. Shortly after that, the guy sold all he had gotten, took the proceeds and went off to a faraway country, far from the father’s house to “enjoy” life. He quickly squandered the whole money in loosed living and began to be in want. Nobody was ready to help me and he was shamed to go back home. How would he face his dad? When the suffering was too much, he decided that he would just go home, apologise to his dad and beg to be employed as a part-time servant. So he set out on his journey home. On coming close, the father noticed him and ran to embrace and kiss him. The man was so overjoyed at having his son back that he didn’t even care to listen to the young man’s rehearsed apology. And he threw a big party.

Hmm, beautiful and well articulated story by Jesus! The Father of the prodigal son is God. The son is you and me. Our heavenly Father is a big man; in our father’s house we’ve got all that we truly need. Close to the father is the best place we can ever be. But it often doesn’t feel that way. At times we actually feel like leaving the house and just go somewhere else where we think we can “enjoy” life better. Then we wander far away from the way only to realise later that it was better being home with the Lord. But we are not sure how to begin the journey. Will God accept me back after all that I have done? How can I face him?

God is a prodigal Father. He is so prodigal with his love. He is merciful, He is compassionate. He desires that we remain in communion with Him, for He knows that that is the best place we can be. You see, dear friend that, having such a loving Father, we really have no reason to misbehave. But He will force no one to remain at home. When we unfortunately stray, He eagerly awaits our return. Our sins may be much and grave but His love can very well contain them. Just come back home.

Have a nice day and God loves you.