The Happy Ending of a Sad Story

“And he arose and came to his father. But while he was yet at a distance, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet; and bring the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and make merry; for this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ …” Luke 15:20-24 RSVCI

This is the happy ending of a very sad story, told by Jesus. A son dishonored his father, squandered his inheritance, and found himself living in total destitution. Only then did he come to his senses and make the long trip home. He expected rejection, or at best, a lukewarm reception. Instead, he was met by his father, running to embrace him as his long-lost son. Pope Francis has observed, “One day he sees him appear in the distance. But this means that this father, every day would climb up to the terrace to see if his son was coming back!”

It doesn’t matter what my story is—how long I’ve been gone from God, or how far I’ve wandered. All that matters is that I humble myself and throw myself on his mercy. He is eagerly awaiting my return with arms wide open.

Let us pray: Father I have strayed from you, and I am not worthy to be called your child. But Jesus has taught me that You are waiting to receive me back with open arms, and so I return to You. Thank You for your amazing mercy. I rejoice with You that we are together again.

“The errors we commit, even if large, do not scratch away the fidelity of God’s love.” Pope Francis, March 6, 2016