Imagine what the prodigal son must have looked like when he returned home. He wasn’t wearing his fine clothes or jewelry—he had probably pawned them off. He was dirty from tending the swine and walking for miles with no shoes. He may have even lost weight from lack of food. Even looking so unlike himself, his father recognized him “while he was still a long way off” (Lk 15:20). The son, who had once turned away, turned back toward the father in humility and contrition. When the son returned, the father joyfully ran to him. His immense love made his forgiveness effortless. Then the father restored the son’s dignity with fine clothes, a ring, and sandals. Finally, he declared a celebration so that others could share in his joy.
“. . .this son of mine was dead, and has come to life again.”
Luke 15:24
When we have sinned, we’re somehow not “like ourselves.” Like the prodigal son, our sins spiritually disfigure us (CCC 1701); they turn us away from God (CCC 1855). But no matter what, God still loves us, even when we’re a long way off. When we have the humility to turn toward Him asking for forgiveness, He runs to us. Like the father in the parable, God easily forgives us: “God is rich in mercy because of the great love he has for us” (Eph 2:4). He wipes away what we have marred and restores our dignity. He gives us the clothing of salvation and the finest jewelry of virtue befitting a daughter or son of God. We become alive again in Him, a new creation. “Whoever is in Christ is a new creation: the old things have passed away; behold, new things have come” (2 Cor 5:17). Imagine how all of heaven celebrates when we turn back to God: “…there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need of repentance” (Lk 15:7).
Abba, Father, thank you for forgiving me for so much. Help me to turn back toward You whenever I turn away.
Readings for the 4th Sunday of Lent
JOSHUA 5:9-12
PSALM 34:2-7
2 CORINTHIANS 5:17-21
LUKE 15:1-32