Daily Word Of God
Luke 15:1, 3, 11b-15, 20, 22-24a
Jesus told the tax collectors and sinners this parable: ‘There was a man who had two sons. The younger one said to his father, “Father, let me have the share of the estate that will come to me.” So the father divided the property between them. A few days later, the younger son got together everything he had and left for a distant country where he squandered his money on a life of debauchery. When he had spent it all, that country experienced a severe famine, and now he began to feel the pinch; so he hired himself out to one of the local inhabitants who put him on his farm to feed the pigs.
‘He left the place and went back to his father. ‘While he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was moved with pity. He ran to the boy, clasped him in his arms and kissed him. But the father said to his servants, “Quick! Bring out the best robe and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the calf we have been fattening, and kill it; we will celebrate by having a feast, because this son of mine was dead and has come back to life; he was lost and is found.” ’
Today's Pointers on God's Word
As you read the passage what words, phases or meanings caught your attention?
- The parable of the prodigal son teaches us about the joy of repentance that comes in the restoration of our intimate relationship with God our heavenly Father.
- God does not rejoice in the loss of anyone, but desires that all be saved and restored to fellowship with Him. When we are “lost” in sin and pain, pray for the strength and grace to return to the Lord of Mercy.
- Do you know of anyone who may have wandered away from God? Pray persistently for the person and try to encourage the person to return to the Church through the Sacrament of Reconciliation and Mercy of God.