In the parable of the prodigal son we are told of the younger heir and his wasteful spending of his inheritance. The word prodigal means to be recklessly extravagant, and the younger son is certainly that. He squanders his fortune and almost loses his life before finally realizing that he would be better off as the least of his father’s servants, and decides to return home.
Then according to St. Luke, “While he (the younger son) was still a long way off, his father caught sight of him…He ran to his son…”
We can easily imagine the father looking for his son’s return every day from some high vantage point on his property. Perhaps every morning and evening he would climb to the roof or a watchtower, and look off into the distance, hoping for his son’s return. And as soon as he sees him he rushes towards him.
God never ceases to watch for us and wait for us. He is always there waiting and hoping for our return to Him. And when we do, when we realize that our lives are meaningless without Him, he is there to welcome us back with kisses and embraces, to robe us with grace and shod us in sandals that betoken our status as His adopted children.
This unconditional love of God is the source of Christian joy. In times of our severest trials, let us remember the Father always knows us, loves, us and reaches out to us, waiting for our return.
Pax Vobiscum
4th Sunday of Lent