The Father Who Runs To Us

Saturday of the Second Week of Lent
Luke 15:1–3, 11–32

In today's Gospel reading, Jesus is confronted by people grumbling about the company he keeps with tax collectors, sinners, and those deemed unworthy by others. In response, Jesus tells a powerful story, often called the Parable of the Lost Son or the Prodigal Son. It is one of the most moving stories in the Bible because it speaks directly to the human experience—our mistakes and wrong choices, our longing to belong, broken relationships, and our need for God's mercy and forgiveness.

In this story, a younger son asks his father for his inheritance early. The son leaves home and wastes everything in reckless living. Eventually, he finds himself hungry, ashamed, and alone. Realizing how far he has fallen, he decides to return home, hoping only to be treated as a servant.

But when the father sees his son returning, something surprising happens. Instead of anger or punishment, the father runs to meet his son, embraces him, and welcomes him back with joy. The father celebrates because the son who was lost has been found.

This story reveals the heart of God. God is like the loving father—patient, merciful, and always ready to welcome us back. No matter how far we wander, we are never beyond God’s love, mercy, and forgiveness.

Many of us can see ourselves in the younger son. At times, we make poor choices or try to live life on our own terms, forgetting the ways and guidance of God. Yet the parable reminds us that it is never too late to repent, which simply means changing direction and returning to God, trusting that we will be joyously welcomed because God is loving, merciful, and forgiving.

But the story also includes the older son, who becomes angry when his brother is welcomed home. He feels the celebration is unfair. His reaction challenges us as well. Sometimes we struggle to accept God’s mercy toward others. We may hold onto resentment or believe that people should “earn” forgiveness. Yet the father invites the older son into the celebration too, reminding him that love and grace are meant for everyone.

For our lives today, this parable offers both comfort and challenge. It comforts us with the assurance that God’s forgiveness is always available. At the same time, it challenges us to reflect God’s mercy in how we treat others—especially those who have made mistakes or wrong choices.

In our families, workplaces, and communities, people long for the same welcome the father offered his son. When we choose compassion over judgment, forgiveness over resentment, and reconciliation over division, we become living signs of God’s love.

Ultimately, the parable reminds us that faith is not only about following rules. It is about relationship. It is about knowing that we always have a home with God and with God's family—the Church—and helping others know that they do too.

It’s a time to come home if we’ve wandered or become lost, and a time to soften our hearts if we’ve stayed but grown judgmental and unforgiving of others. It’s a time to let God run toward us, and a time to let God's love and mercy reshape how we see others. God's love is not earned—it’s received. And when we receive it, we’re changed.

You are invited to reflect today about when and how have you experienced God’s forgiveness or a “second chance” in your life? Is there someone you struggle to forgive or celebrate—someone God is inviting you to see with God's merciful eyes?

Lord,
you know the times when I feel lost,
and the places where my heart has grown hardened or guarded.
Run toward me with your mercy,
and help me to welcome your love
without fear or hesitation.
Teach me to rejoice in your compassion—
for myself and for others—
so that I may live with the freedom
and joy of a beloved child.
Amen.

"Lenten and Easter Resources 2026"

This reflection was prepared with the assistance of CoPilot.