I shall arise and return to my Father

Ex. 32:7-11.13-14, I Tim. 1:12-17, Lk. 15:1-32. On this Twenty Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, the Church offers us a golden opportunity to reflect on God’s mercy and compassion. One important fact that runs through the readings of this Sunday is the readiness of God to welcome and receive us irrespective of how we have fallen and gone away from Him. In today's first reading, we discover a God who demonstrated that His love and mercy surpass His anger and judgement. As a merciful and compassionate Father, God heard the prayers of Moses on behalf of his people. He fulfilled His promise: “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray...I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin...” (2 Chr. 7:14). A very important lesson we must learn from this reading is, the power of intercession for ourselves and for others.

In the second reading, Paul reminds us that we are products of God’s mercy. Paul recounted how God's salvation is available through the mercy of Christ. Hence, like Paul, let us take advantage of this saving mercy of God for our eternal salvation. Let us also be grateful to Him, who shows us mercy through Christ. In today’s Gospel, Christ demonstrates how merciful and compassionate God is towards us. In spite of our sins and stubbornness, God is willing to welcome us back. Each day, He beckons us: “Come let us settle the matter, even though your sins are as red as crimson, you shall be as white as snow” (Ish 1:18-19). God has made our return very easy through Jesus Christ, all we need is to realise ourselves and approach Him with sincerity of heart. In humility, we must make a very important decision like the prodigal son: “I will leave this place and go back to my father.” We must not be ashamed to return to God our Father because: “His steadfast love never ceases, and His mercy never comes to an end. They are new every morning, and great is His faithfulness” (Lam 3:22-23).

May the Lord continue to guide us and may His loving mercy continue to come down upon us! Amen!! Good morning and happy Sunday!!!