SCRIPTURE:
18 “I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ 20 So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him, and kissed him.” Luke 15:18-20
REFLECTION:
Consider the state of this son, the state of his heart, the defeat of his soul. Imagine his thoughts as he rehearses his dreaded, shameful return: “I’m no longer worthy to be called your son.”
*****
I’ve wavered and gone astray. I don’t deserve anything you offer. You were willing to love me and to help me, but I needed to go my own way. It was all for nothing. But, I can’t live without you, my Father. I know you’ll tell me ‘no’, but please – all I ask is for the place of a servant. Just let me serve you and your household.
Then suddenly, in the midst of rehearsing these words, I look up and see my Father. Shame takes course; I know now this will be harder than I thought. I want to run back again, but I know I can’t – I know there’s nothing for me there. I look a little harder and I see . . . arms reaching, Father running, and I hear words of invitation, not condemnation. What do I see? I stop.
I’m stunned. Maybe he thinks I’m someone else. Should I turn and run before disappointment hits him and he realizes who I am? He runs harder toward me and meets me and sees me and wraps himself around me. I’m speechless; I melt in my Father’s embrace. How could it be? How could he offer me such an embrace after all I’ve done? Who does he see in me?
*****
This is just one story of one son and Father. The ultimate story is the story in which we live as the sons and daughters of our Father who is love. His compassion for us was expressed in the life, death, and resurrection of our Christ. This story is living; this story is our story. His arms are open for you and me. Let’s receive His embrace and live and love in the way of Jesus Christ our brother and Savior.
RESPOND:
- How have you embraced the compassion God has for you?
- Is there anything that hinders you from receiving compassion offered to you?
- How might you live more compassionately towards others?
PRAYER:
Father, who waits with loving, arms open towards me, what could I bring to you? What could I do to make up for all I have squandered away? There’s simply nothing. I hear your invitation to receive the grace you offer. Enable me to receive, and grant me the courage to believe in the offer of your free grace, and from that space, may your compassion flow through me. God, give me eyes of compassion to see your image in others. Grant me inner kindness that reaches towards each person around me, free of judgment and full of love. Have your way in me Lord, have your way through me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
