The servant said to him,
‘Your brother has returned
and your father has slaughtered
the fattened calf because
he has him back
safe and sound.’
(Luke 15:27)
When a lost son returns, God our father celebrates with joy. Important to Him is our repentance, realizing our mistakes and deciding to take responsibility. This shows that we value humility and having the courage to admit when we are wrong.
No matter how far we've strayed, God’s love and forgiveness are always available to us when we turn back to Him. We should avoid resentment and rejoice in others’ blessings, as the father lovingly reassures us of our own worth.
Through distant lands and fleeting dreams,
The younger son sought life's extremes.
With wealth in hand, he cast his way,
Yet found himself in disarray.
The riches faded, friends withdrew,
Hunger gnawed, and sorrow grew.
Among the swine, he stood in shame,
Yearning for home, he called his name.
"I'll rise," he said, "and turn around,
Seek my father, on humble ground.
A servant's bread, a house of peace,
Is more than this, where pain won't cease."
The father watched, with teary eyes,
And saw his son, beneath the skies.
He ran, embraced, and kissed his child,
Forgiveness flowed, pure, undefiled.
“Bring finest robes, a feast prepare,
My son was lost, now found he's here!
This is a day for joy to spring,
A prodigal's return—let the heavens sing!”
The elder stood with heart unsure,
Why celebrate this? I've been pure.
The father turned, with love he spoke,
“All I have is yours—this bond won't choke.
But see, your brother, once was dead,
Now lives anew, and love is spread.
Let’s join together, hearts to mend,
For this, my son, is not the end.”
Lord Jesus,
I come before You with a humbled heart, Strayed and weary, longing for a fresh start. You, who embrace us with love so divine, Restore my soul, make Your mercy mine.
Forgive the paths where I went astray, Guide me back to Your righteous way. Like the father who welcomed his son, Let me find grace, where hope is begun. Fill my spirit with courage to rise, To seek Your light, away from lies. Teach me to trust, to serve, to yield, And place my life in Your hands as my shield.
Lord Jesus, my Savior, my Friend, my Guide, In Your arms, let me forever abide. Thank You for love that never fades, For the gift of new life Your cross portrays.
Amen.
Pericope:
V: The Journey to Jerusalem: Luke's Travel Narrative
THE PARABLE OF THE LOST SHEEP / THE PARABLE OF THE LOST SON
Luke 15:1-10 / 11-32
Gospel Acclamation
I will get up and go to my father and shall say to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.
Gospel | Luke 15:1-3, 11-32
1 Tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to listen to him, 2 but the Pharisees and scribes began to complain, saying, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” 3 So to them Jesus addressed this parable. 11 “A man had two sons, 12 and the younger son said to his father, ‘Father, giveme the share of your estate that should come to me.’ So the father divided the property between them. 13 After a few days, the younger son collected all his belongings and set off to a distant country where he squandered his inheritance on a life of dissipation. 14 When he had freely spent everything, a severe famine struck that country, and he found himself in dire need. 15 So he hired himself out to one of the local citizens who sent him to his farm to tend the swine. 16 And he longed to eat his fill of the pods on which the swine fed, but nobody gave him any. 17 Coming to his senses he thought, “How many of my father’s hired workers have more than enough food to eat, but here am I, dying from hunger. 18 I shall get up and go to my father and I shall say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19 I no longer deserve to be called your son; treat me as you would treat one of your hired workers.”’ 20 So he got up and went back to his father. While he was still a long way off, his father caught sight of him, and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him and kissed him. 21 His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you; I no longer deserve to be called your son.’ 22 But his father ordered his servants, ‘Quickly bring the finest robe and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Take the fattened calf and slaughter it. Then let us celebrate with a feast, 24 because this son of mine was dead, and has come to life again; he was lost, and has been found.’ Then the celebration began. 25 Now the older son had been out in the field and, on his way back, as he neared the house, he heard the sound of music and dancing. 26 He called one of the servants and asked what this might mean. 27 The servant said to him, ‘Your brother has returned and your father has slaughtered the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’ 28 He became angry, and when he refused to enter the house, his father came out and pleaded with him. 29 He said to his father in reply, ‘Look, all these years I served you and not once did I disobey your orders; yet you never gave me even a young goat to feast on with my friends. 30 But when your son returns who swallowed up your property with prostitutes, for him you slaughter the fattened calf.’ 31 He said to him, ‘My son, you are here with me always; everything I have is yours. 32 But now we must celebrate and rejoice, because your brother was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.’”
Reflection Source:
Conversation with Copilot
