- GOD’S WORD FOR THE DAY (based on Catholic Liturgical Readings)
DATE: 18TH MARCH 2017
SATURDAY OF THE SECOND WEEK OF LENT
FIRST READING: Micah 7:14-15, 18-20
PSALM: Psalm 103:1-4, 9-12
GOSPEL: Luke 15:1-3, 11-32
THEME: THE FAITHFUL LOVE OF THE FATHER
Some of us in this part of the world grew up in a milieu where parents and teachers would generally crack the whip and not spare the rod for acts of misdemeanour, even if one appears to be repentant after the wrong act. It is therefore mind-blowing to listen to Jesus narrate a parable of a young man who after having misbehaved and wasted his father’s property gets a welcome party when he returns home.
Our Gospel text for today begins with the statement, “Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him. And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, ‘This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them.’ So he told them this parable…” (Lk 15:1-3).Thus, the context that gave birth to the narration of the parable of the ‘prodigal son’ is Jesus’ interpersonal relationship with people who were generally regarded as sinful. Jesus had established himself as a friend of sinners.
The parable serves as a window through which we can peer into the heart of God — a heart of compassion. A striking verse in the narration that summarises the core value of the whole story reads, “While he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion” (Lk 15:20). The Greek word translated as compassion is not just a fleeting emotion; rather, it is a very deep inner movement. Within the context of the story itself, it is an expression of the faithful love of the father.
Like the ‘prodigal son’, we sometimes make strange decisions and run away from the love of God. We are lured by the deceptions of fleeting pleasures and we soon entangle ourselves in sin. The prophet Micah reminds us in today’s First Reading that our God is faithful. He does not harbour anger forever; he delights in showing faithful love.
Perhaps you feel like your sin is unpardonable. Do not believe in that lie. Remember that God is compassionate. Tread the footsteps of the ‘prodigal son’ who came back to his father. This is your moment, go for it. The faithful love of the Father awaits you.
PRAYER: Lord God, you have revealed to me how much you love me. Heal my soul, fill me with grace and strength and never let me be parted from you. Amen.
Andrews Obeng, svd
DIVINE WORD MISSIONARIES
BIBLICAL PASTORAL MINISTRY
(Ghana Province)
“May the darkness of sin and the night of unbelief vanish before the light of the Word and the Spirit of grace. And may the heart of Jesus live in the hearts of all people” (St. Arnold Janssen).