The Prodigal – Returning son or waiting father?

In this story our Lord spoke of the moment when an estranged father and son were reunited at last. The son had left home, spurning his father’s love and care, forgetting his father’s needs and feelings, living for himself and his own pleasures only, and no doubt blotting out the memory of a father for many a long year.

Until he was brought up short by his own needs. When money ran out, when friends deserted him for the newest, wealthy, Johnny-come-lately, he faced life alone – and remembered the good old days and a kind father. ‘When he had come to himself,’ he thought of home and returned home.

Only to find his father had never forgotten him and was waiting for him with a welcome that showed both grace and mercy. Just as God has shown us.