Saturday 22 March 2025
Micah 7:14-15, 18-20. The Lord is kind and merciful – Ps 102(103):1-4, 9-12. Luke 15:1-3, 11-32.
God is overflowing with mercy
The parable of the prodigal son teaches us a great deal about salvation. The parable’s essential message is that salvation is our return to relationship with God. This relationship is what we were created for, and the heart of the Gospel is God’s invitation back into this intimacy. The parable also clarifies our role in salvation. Like the son, we need not do much at all nor even turn back for the best reasons. Like the father, all God waits for is our turning and he will do the rest, restoring us to our place in his family. God is so overflowing with mercy that he is willing to work even with our most meagre repentance, and even when it comes more from desperation than love. At the same time, God is not interested in correct behaviour when this is divorced from relationship. God is looking for children, not slaves.
Email this Print This Page
