The Sweet Taste Of Forgiveness

Luke's Gospel explores our human need for healing; it offers us a story, which focuses on the pain of broken relationships and the search for reconciliation.

The younger son has come to see himself for what he is, and he knows he doesn't deserve to have his apology accepted - but no matter; he'll still go home, and apologise for all the wrongs he has committed. That's a real surprise.

But an even bigger surprise is the way his father reacts - running down the road to meet him, forgetting his dignity and how badly his son has hurt him, in his overwhelming joy at being reunited.

No matter that he's the injured party, no matter that the money the boy has squandered can never be recovered; none of that matters, only a heart-warming reconciliation to be celebrated.

Seeking and offering forgiveness is never a calculated risk with pros and cons to be weighed - it's the kind of risk that we take when we hold nothing back, and in its place receive far more than we could ever dream.

.
Gracious Father, we pray for all who carry the pain and disappointment of rejection. Enfold us in your love and mercy, heal the painful memories, and give us courage and humility to trust ourselves to one another and to You. Amen.

.

While he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him. Then the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against Heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.' But the father said to his slaves, 'Quickly, bring out a robe - the best one - and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. And get the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.'
Luke 15:20-24