Returning Home

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I was in the Gospel of Luke, Chapter 15, reading the Parable of the Lost Son, also known as the Prodigal Son.  It’s a passage I’ve read a million times.

I’ve analyzed it time and again, from every angle.  I recognize the father who welcomes home the son who spent all his inheritance, as our Father in heaven.  I love how the father runs out to meet his son, embraces him and kisses him, even though the son didn’t deserve it.  The father throws him a party as he celebrates his return.

I am confident that every time one of God’s own children turns back to him, he likewise meets him (or her) without hesitation.  No groveling needed.  No begging necessary.  Just pure rejoicing in the return of one who has gone astray.

Interestingly, it wasn’t until the younger son had squandered away all of his inheritance and found himself hungry, that he began his journey back home, seeking out his father.  Scripture tells us that he had been “dead” and came back to life again; he was lost and then found.

This parable has many levels to it, but today I find myself wondering how many of us might be guilty of squandering this life we have been given, turning our back on God—the one who has provided for all of our needs.

It seems important to me that we see in this parable that regardless of our life’s situation, we need to be seekers on the path to God, for when we find our way back to him, we can be assured that he will welcome us with open arms.

Lent is a great time to seek reconciliation with God and others.  No groveling or begging necessary.  Return home to the father and bask in his love as he will surely rejoice at the sight of you.

Let yourself be found this Lent.  Come back to life again and let the rest of your life be profoundly, joyfully, transformed. 

Janet Cassidy
janetcassidy.blogspot.com

 

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