While he was still a long way off, his father caught sight of him, and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him and kissed him.

Luke 15:20

It’s a classic tale of greed, sibling rivalry, and mercy. The parable of the Prodigal Son is even mentioned outside of Christian circles, it’s so well known. Oftentimes, we recognize ourselves in the wayward son who demands his inheritance before his father has even passed away. We see him down and out after squandering it all and see our own lives buried in sin as we’ve left our faith behind us. We may even find ourselves wanting to turn back to God the way this young man wants to beg his dad to let him come back home. 

Or maybe we feel more like the older brother who is frustrated and jealous. We may not want to see that side of ourselves; that side that cannot extend mercy to someone who has hurt us or made wrong choices. We forget that we have always been with the Lord and have access to all the graces and feel unable to trust the conversion of someone else who seems to be receiving blessings even though we know of their sins. 

But, consider the father in this story.  Let’s focus on him during this season of Lent. Not only does he hear the plea from the older son who is basically wishing he was already dead so that he could have his money, but even in his pain, gives him the free will to make that choice. Then he lovingly forgives and accepts him back, not as a slave who has to work off his crime, but as his son who is joyfully accepted back into the family. There is an even more amazing aspect that can slip past us. Notice this phrase, “While he was still a long way off, his father caught sight of him…” 

How would the father have seen him from a long way off if he hadn’t been looking for him? Can you imagine the love of a father who daily watches the road hoping to see his beloved child coming back home? What does that say about how God loves you? No matter what you’ve done, no matter how far you’ve strayed, NOTHING stops Him from longing to have you back with Him. So much so that He watches for you. He seeks you out. He has the fatted calf and the purple robe waiting in the wings as He searches for any sign from you that you’re ready to come home. And when He catches the tiniest movement of your heart back in His direction, you better believe that His love and graces are there to help you come all the way back. All you have to do is make a small move, start praying, head to confession, tell Him you love Him, and you can believe that He will begin running towards you with arms open wide. 

Reflection Questions: As you hear the story of the Prodigal son, which character do you relate to most at this point in your life? Have you ever considered things from the Father’s viewpoint? How does this thinking change your perspective on the Lord?

Prayer: Lord, are You really standing on the hill watching for me? Does the Holy Spirit hear my small fearful cry when I am lost and want to return, but worried that my sins are too great for Your mercy? Help me to remember that You are there, and You are running to hug me as I draw closer to You. Amen.