As I read today’s familiar passage the words that come to mind include abiding love, forgiveness, reconciliation, gratitude, and compassion. The Father deeply loves both his sons and forgives the younger son who has wandered away, squandered his money, and led a sinful life. The son returns home humiliated. The Father welcomes and celebrates his younger son’s return. The elder son who has stayed at home and helped his father is angry. His Father kindly reminds his elder son that it is important to forgive, have compassion, and feel gratitude for his brothers return. 

Is not the Father a representative of our God who is merciful and forgiving. The youngest wayward son representative of a loved sinner and the elder son representative of a person who seeks perfection, is privileged, perhaps feels entitled, wants special attention, and at times demands to be recognized or rewarded.

I remind myself of God’s merciful love this Lenten season.  I can see myself as both the younger wayward son and the elder entitled son.  

As a younger sinner I find I often focus too much on my needs or possessions, monetary value, and fill my days with unending tasks instead of choosing quiet time with Jesus.  

As the elder sinner I have many times had feelings of entitlement, sought recognition, wanted special accolades for what I have accomplished.  

Today in this Lenten season I pray for forgiveness. I ask Jesus to quiet my soul, help me to pause, and listen intently to Jesus’ message for me today.