I have been in the prodigal son’s shoes. I have experienced moments   of regret and remorse and have humbly stumbled home. When reading this parable, I have always paid more attention to the prodigal son and have missed the wonderful, life-changing focus of the passage: God’s love. Just like the father in this parable, our heavenly Father has a deep love for each of us. God is looking down the road, squinting and scan- ning the horizon. And when he sees a heart turn or a child stumbling home, he doesn’t wait. Like this father, God runs toward each broken child. Each of us is wrapped in love as he welcomes us home. There        is no lecture, no scolding, no penance. There is only the perfect and unconditional love of the  Father.

  

When we recognise and accept God’s love, we do not have to live in sorrow, shame or regret about our past. Instead, we can share in the prodigal son’s relief and live in God’s love.

Prayer: Dear Father, help us to know that we are forgiven and help us to receive your love. Amen