Day 18: Forgiving Father

Today’s Gospel tells the familiar and popular “Prodigal Son” parable. A more appropriate title is the “Forgiving Father”

Our focus should go to the unconditional love of God, not the limitations and errors of humanity.

Now, why does Jesus tell this parable?

Luke tells us:

“Tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to listen to Jesus, but the Pharisees and scribes began to complain, saying, ‘This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.’”

Jesus matches their judgment with unconditional love. He challenges the naysayers to see themselves in the older son, not the loving father.

This is a timely lesson for us today. How often do we cast judgment instead of mercy and love?

Let us move away from the two sons and seek to be more like the father who reveals the unconditional love that God promises us and continues to provide.