The Father's Eyes: Return of the Prodigal Son

In today's Gospel (Luke 15:1-3, 11-32), Jesus shares the powerful parable of the prodigal son. The younger son asks his father for his share of the inheritance, and with it, he sets off for a distant land. There, he squanders all that he has on a life of excess and sin. Eventually, when a famine strikes and he finds himself destitute, he realizes that even his father's servants live better than he does. So, he decides to return home, humbled and broken, asking his father to take him in as a hired worker.

What happens next is nothing short of extraordinary. When the father sees his son from a distance, he doesn’t wait for him to come all the way back. Instead, filled with compassion, the father runs to him, embraces him, and kisses him. Without hesitation, he orders a ring, a robe, and a feast to celebrate his son’s return. The father’s joy is overflowing—his son, who was lost, is now found; who was dead, is now alive.

So, why is this Gospel given to us during Lent? This story reminds us of God’s endless mercy and grace, especially during this season of repentance. Just as the prodigal son was welcomed back with open arms, the Lord calls us to return to Him, no matter how far we’ve strayed. None of our mistakes, none of our sins, are too great for His forgiveness. He eagerly waits for us to turn back to Him, ready to embrace us as His children and restore us to the fullness of His love. Lent is the perfect time for us to reflect on our own journeys, to humble ourselves, and to come back to the Father, knowing that He is always ready to welcome us home.