Transcript
Whenever I read this Gospel passage, the faces of my father and mother always come to my mind. We are three children, my elder sister and younger brother were exceptionally good in academics. I, on the other hand, was very poor in studies. Whenever I returned home with my mark sheet after exams, my sister and brother would have either full marks, fifty out of fifty or at least forty-five out of fifty. But my marks would always be around five or ten out of fifty. Yet, not even once did my father or mother get angry with me. Instead, they would hold me close and comfort me, saying, ‘don’t worry.’ I still remember the day I performed well in a subject they prepared a special meal and celebrated my achievement. Unlike the resentful brother in the parable of the prodigal son, my sister and brother rejoiced in my success and joined in the celebration. This brings us to the Gospel passage, where we see a father who rejoices at the return of his lost son. Through this parable, Christ reveals the heart of God, a Father who does not dwell on our failures but instead celebrates our return. He is waiting, not to count our mistakes, but to welcome us back with open arms. Yes, dear friends, God longs to celebrate our return to Him.