A father had several restaurants that he owned and decided he would retire. He gave a restaurant to each of his sons. One of his children decided he didn't want to be in this type of industry so he decided to sale his restaurant and move to the big city. The son told the father what he had decided to do. In anger the father uttered, "if you do this I am done with you; you may as well forget you are my child." The son did as he set out to do by selling off the business and buying an apartment and a nice vehicle. One year passed and over time the son had to sell his vehicle. Later that year the son had to sell his home and soon the money ran out completely. The son was lonely and homeless with nowhere to turn. He decided the best thing he can do would be to beg for his father's mercy. The son went to his father and begged and pleaded for his help and for his forgiveness. The father lovingly welcomed his son back home and all discord was forgiven. This is the basic storyline of the prodigal son. Jesus came so that we might have this same relationship with our heavenly Father having been reconciled through Him. God is all knowing and all wise, but still loves us unconditionally. What would we do if we did not have our sin debt paid for? God calls us to do our best and he will sort out the rest. You that are broken trust in Christ. You that are weary trust in Christ. The Holy Gospel reflects a captive that was shown mercy, but when he was placed in the position to show mercy he had none. We should strive to show mercy and compassion. Our Lord commands us to continually forgive. Jesus came to show God's love and compassion toward us. Take time to reflect and think to yourself how awesome it is that you are a child of the very same God that hung the moon and stars. May we love one another the way Christ would choose. May we help our brothers and sisters that struggle to find the light of Christ in our love and in our midst. Amen.
***Remember in prayer especially: Terese Gluck, Rose Mauzy, Vicki Fagiana, David Garber and family, Pete & Mary Jane Walburg, Christopher Geagley, Tommy Thompson, John & Delberta Allen, Misty McCoy, Madeline Vaught, Nathan McConnell, Camden Albano, Peggy Ann Turner, Pam Shinault, and Susan Beeler.
Collect:
O GOD, because without you we are not able to please you mercifully grant that your Holy Spirit may in all things direct and rule our hearts; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
(1st Reading Genesis 50-15-21, Psalm 103: 8-13, 2nd Reading Romans 14:1-12, Matthew 18:21-35)
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