A Love That Never Gives Up

Have you ever felt like you’ve strayed too far from God? Like your mistakes have stacked up so high that even He might turn away? Today’s readings remind us of an incredible truth: God’s mercy knows no limits. No matter how lost we feel, no matter how deeply we’ve fallen, He is always ready to welcome us back with open arms. His mercy is not just a reluctant pardon but a joyful, lavish embrace—one that restores, heals, and celebrates our return.

The prophet Micah, writing to a people who had suffered exile and hardship due to their sins, reminds Israel that God “removes guilt and pardons sin” (Micah 7:18). The psalmist echoes this in a song of gratitude, proclaiming that God does not treat us as our sins deserve but removes them “as far as the east is from the west” (Psalm 103:12). But nowhere is this theme of divine mercy more vividly displayed than in Jesus’ parable of the prodigal son. In a culture where family honor was paramount, a son who squandered his inheritance would have been seen as irredeemable. Yet, the father in Jesus’ parable defies societal expectations, running to embrace his wayward child and restoring him completely. Through this parable, Jesus reveals the heart of God—a Father who never gives up on His children, no matter how far they have wandered.

Today’s readings challenge us to reflect on how we see God’s mercy in our own lives. Do we trust in His forgiveness, or do we let shame keep us from returning to Him? Are we willing to extend this same mercy to others, even when they don’t deserve it? As we dive into these passages, let’s ask ourselves: How is God calling me to experience and share His mercy today?

First Reading – Micah 7:14-15, 18-20

A God Who Delights in Mercy

The Book of Micah is a prophetic work written during a time of turmoil for Israel. Micah, a contemporary of Isaiah, lived in the 8th century B.C., witnessing the corruption of leaders, injustice among the people, and the impending threat of foreign invasion. His message oscillates between warnings of judgment and promises of restoration. Today’s passage, from the final chapter of Micah, emphasizes the incredible mercy of God—a mercy that remains steadfast despite Israel’s failures. The prophet recalls the miraculous redemption of Israel from Egypt, urging God to once again show His mighty hand. This sets the stage for the theme of today’s readings: God’s boundless mercy, His desire to forgive, and His joy in restoring His people.

Micah 7:14-15, 18-20
New American Bible (Revised Edition)

¹⁴ Shepherd your people with your staff,
    the flock of your heritage,
That lives apart in a woodland,
    in the midst of an orchard.
Let them feed in Bashan and Gilead,
    as in the days of old;
¹⁵ As in the days when you came from the land of Egypt,
    show us wonderful signs.

¹⁸ Who is a God like you, who removes guilt
    and pardons sin for the remnant of his inheritance;
Who does not persist in anger forever,
    but instead delights in mercy,
¹⁹ And will again have compassion on us,
    treading underfoot our iniquities?
You will cast into the depths of the sea all our sins;
²⁰ You will show faithfulness to Jacob,
    and loyalty to Abraham,
As you have sworn to our ancestors
    from days of old.

Detailed Exegesis

Verse 14 – “Shepherd your people with your staff, the flock of your heritage, that lives apart in a woodland, in the midst of an orchard. Let them feed in Bashan and Gilead, as in the days of old.”
Micah invokes the imagery of a shepherd, a common biblical metaphor for God’s guidance and protection (cf. Psalm 23:1, John 10:11). The “staff” symbolizes authority, leadership, and care. Bashan and Gilead were regions known for their rich pastures, representing a time of blessing and security. The plea is clear: Lord, restore Your people to a place of peace, as You once did.

Verse 15 – “As in the days when you came from the land of Egypt, show us wonderful signs.”
Here, Micah recalls the Exodus, the foundational event of Israel’s identity. Just as God freed them from slavery and led them through the Red Sea, the prophet asks for a renewed display of divine power. This longing for God’s intervention foreshadows the ultimate act of redemption in Christ, whose passion, death, and resurrection bring about the new Exodus—the deliverance from sin.

Verse 18 – “Who is a God like you, who removes guilt and pardons sin for the remnant of his inheritance; who does not persist in anger forever, but instead delights in mercy?”
This verse is a turning point, highlighting the uniqueness of God’s mercy. The rhetorical question—“Who is a God like you?”—is a play on Micah’s own name, which means “Who is like the Lord?” The answer is implicit: No one. Unlike human rulers, who often hold grudges and seek retribution, God delights in mercy. He does not simply tolerate repentance—He rejoices in it.

Verse 19 – “And will again have compassion on us, treading underfoot our iniquities? You will cast into the depths of the sea all our sins.”
This verse presents a powerful image of divine forgiveness. To “tread underfoot” suggests complete victory over sin, and the idea of casting sins into the sea evokes a sense of total removal—much like the Egyptians being drowned in the Red Sea (Exodus 14:28). God’s mercy is not partial; it is absolute.

Verse 20 – “You will show faithfulness to Jacob, and loyalty to Abraham, as you have sworn to our ancestors from days of old.”
Micah concludes by grounding God’s mercy in His covenant with the patriarchs. The promises made to Abraham and Jacob (Genesis 12:2-3, Genesis 28:13-15) are not forgotten, despite Israel’s unfaithfulness. God’s mercy is not based on human merit but on His unchanging nature.

Teachings

The Catechism of the Catholic Church affirms this understanding of God’s mercy, stating, “God reveals his fatherly omnipotence by the way he takes care of our needs…by his infinite mercy, for he displays his power at its height by freely forgiving sins” (CCC 270). God’s mercy is not weakness but the greatest expression of His strength.

St. Augustine beautifully expands on this truth, writing, “God has promised forgiveness to your repentance, but He has not promised tomorrow to your procrastination.” This passage from Sermons on the New Testament reminds us that God’s mercy is freely given, but we must respond to it. The prodigal son in today’s Gospel is restored not because of his worthiness, but because he chooses to return to the Father.

Throughout history, the Church has emphasized the importance of trusting in divine mercy. St. Faustina, through her visions of Christ, recorded His words: “Let the greatest sinners place their trust in My mercy… sooner would heaven and earth turn into nothingness than would My mercy not embrace a trusting soul” (Diary of St. Faustina, 1777). This radical invitation calls all of us to run to the Father without fear.

Reflection

How often do we hesitate to turn back to God, believing our sins are too great? Do we sometimes see Him as a distant judge rather than a merciful Father? Micah’s words remind us that God is not waiting to condemn but to forgive. His mercy is vast—deeper than the sea into which He casts our sins. Yet, we must step forward in humility and repentance, just as the prodigal son did.

In our daily lives, we are also called to extend this mercy to others. When we hold grudges or refuse to forgive, we fail to imitate God’s heart. Is there someone in your life who needs your forgiveness today? Reflect on how you can mirror the Father’s mercy in your own relationships.

God delights in showing mercy. Will you allow yourself to receive it?

Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 103:1-4, 9-12

The Infinite Reach of God’s Mercy

Psalm 103 is a beautiful hymn of thanksgiving attributed to King David, celebrating God’s compassion and forgiveness. Written during a time when Israel often faced judgment due to their unfaithfulness, this psalm serves as a reminder that God’s mercy is far greater than human sin. In Jewish tradition, psalms like this were used in worship to praise God’s steadfast love, a concept deeply rooted in the covenant relationship between God and His people. Today’s reading fits seamlessly into the theme of mercy seen throughout the liturgy—just as Micah proclaimed that God casts sins into the depths of the sea, Psalm 103 declares that He removes them as far as the east is from the west. It is a song of hope, inviting us to rest in the unshakable truth that God’s love triumphs over our failings.

Psalm 103:1-4
New American Bible (Revised Edition)

Praise of Divine Goodness
¹ Of David.

Bless the Lord, my soul;
    all my being, bless his holy name!
² Bless the Lord, my soul;
    and do not forget all his gifts,
³ Who pardons all your sins,
    and heals all your ills,
⁴ Who redeems your life from the pit,
    and crowns you with mercy and compassion,

⁹ He will not always accuse,
    and nurses no lasting anger;
¹⁰ He has not dealt with us as our sins merit,
    nor requited us as our wrongs deserve.

¹¹ For as the heavens tower over the earth,
    so his mercy towers over those who fear him.
¹² As far as the east is from the west,
    so far has he removed our sins from us.

Detailed Exegesis

Verse 1 – “Bless the Lord, my soul; all my being, bless his holy name!”
David begins with an urgent call to worship—not just a verbal praise but a wholehearted, complete offering of his soul to God. The Hebrew word for “bless” (barak) implies kneeling in adoration, acknowledging God’s sovereignty. By invoking “his holy name,” David reminds us that God’s name itself represents His essence: mercy, justice, and love.

Verse 2 – “Bless the Lord, my soul; and do not forget all his gifts,”
This verse calls us to remember God’s blessings. Human nature often leads us to forget His goodness, especially in times of struggle. The psalmist urges us to cultivate gratitude, recalling the many ways God has provided for us. When we remember God’s past faithfulness, we strengthen our trust in His future mercy.

Verse 3 – “Who pardons all your sins, and heals all your ills,”
Here, David reveals two essential aspects of God’s mercy: forgiveness and healing. Sin wounds not only our souls but our entire being. God does not simply erase guilt—He restores us. The connection between sin and suffering is a recurring biblical theme, but so is the promise of God’s healing power (cf. Isaiah 53:5, Matthew 9:2).

Verse 4 – “Who redeems your life from the pit, and crowns you with mercy and compassion,”
The imagery of redemption from the “pit” suggests being saved from destruction, both physical and spiritual. In the Old Testament, the pit often symbolizes Sheol, the place of the dead. This verse foreshadows Christ’s mission to redeem humanity from the ultimate pit—eternal separation from God. Instead of leaving us in despair, God crowns us with His love, a sign of honor and restoration.

Verse 9 – “He will not always accuse, and nurses no lasting anger;”
This verse echoes Micah’s message that God does not persist in anger. Unlike human grudges, God’s justice is always tempered with mercy. His corrections are meant to heal, not to condemn (cf. Hebrews 12:6).

Verse 10 – “He has not dealt with us as our sins merit, nor requited us as our wrongs deserve.”
A profound truth emerges here—God’s justice is unlike human justice. If He gave us what we truly deserved, we would face separation from Him. Instead, His mercy prevails. This is the heart of the Gospel: Christ took upon Himself what we deserved so that we might receive what we never could earn—divine mercy.

Verse 11 – “For as the heavens tower over the earth, so his mercy towers over those who fear him.”
This poetic image illustrates the immeasurable nature of God’s mercy. Just as the heavens seem infinite above the earth, so too is God’s love beyond our comprehension. The phrase “those who fear him” does not mean terror, but rather reverence—a deep awe and trust in God’s goodness.

Verse 12 – “As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our sins from us.”
This is one of the most comforting verses in all of Scripture. Unlike the north and south, which have fixed points, the east and west continue infinitely apart. God’s forgiveness is total, irreversible, and complete. Our sins are not merely covered but completely removed from us.

Teachings

The Catechism teaches that “God’s mercy is infinite, but He asks us to turn back to Him with trust” (CCC 1864). His forgiveness is always available, but it requires a response from us—repentance and a desire to grow in holiness. Just as David exhorts his soul to remember God’s mercy, we, too, are called to acknowledge and accept it.

St. Thérèse of Lisieux, who deeply understood divine mercy, once wrote, “Even if I had committed every crime imaginable, I would still have the same confidence in God, for I know that His love far surpasses any sin.” Her words reflect the message of Psalm 103: God does not measure His mercy by our failings but by His infinite love.

In Church history, devotion to the Divine Mercy, especially through St. Faustina’s revelations, has reinforced this truth. Jesus told her, “The greater the sinner, the greater the right he has to My mercy” (Diary of St. Faustina, 723). This echoes today’s readings—God does not withhold mercy from those who return to Him. The only obstacle is our unwillingness to accept it.

Reflection

Do you truly believe in the depth of God’s mercy? Or do you sometimes act as if your sins are greater than His love? This psalm invites us to let go of guilt and rest in the certainty that God’s mercy extends beyond our failures. No matter how many times we fall, He is always ready to lift us up.

But this mercy is not just for us—it is meant to be shared. Do you withhold forgiveness from others, even when God has so freely given it to you? Reflect on how you can extend mercy in your own life, whether through reconciliation, patience, or a willingness to see others as God sees them.

The Father delights in showing mercy. Will you allow yourself to receive it—and extend it to others?

Holy Gospel – Luke 15:1-3, 11-32

The Father’s Embrace: A Love That Restores

The Gospel of Luke is often called the Gospel of Mercy because it highlights Jesus’ deep compassion for sinners and outcasts. Chapter 15 stands out as one of the most profound expositions of God’s mercy, containing three parables: the Lost Sheep, the Lost Coin, and the Prodigal Son. Each parable builds upon the theme of something lost being found, but the Parable of the Prodigal Son is particularly powerful because it portrays not just God’s mercy but His desire to restore us completely.

The historical and cultural context of this passage is crucial for understanding its full impact. In Jewish society, a son asking for his inheritance while his father was still alive was the equivalent of wishing his father dead. Wealth was traditionally passed down after the father’s death, and the younger son’s request was not only offensive but deeply dishonorable. Despite this, the father grants his request, illustrating God’s respect for human freedom—even when we choose wrongly. Meanwhile, the elder son represents those who see themselves as faithful but struggle with jealousy when God extends mercy to others. This parable, then, is not just about the prodigal son—it is about all of us. Whether we identify with the wayward son or the resentful elder, Jesus invites us to see the Father’s heart: a heart that never stops loving, never stops waiting, and never stops restoring.

Luke 15:1-3, 11-32
New American Bible (Revised Edition)

The Parable of the Lost Sheep. ¹ The 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 he addressed this parable.

The Parable of the Lost Son. ¹¹ Then he said, “A man had two sons, ¹² and the younger son said to his father, ‘Father, give me 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.’”

Detailed Exegesis

Verse 1-2 – “The tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to listen to him, but the Pharisees and scribes began to complain, saying, ‘This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.’”
This scene sets the stage for the parable. Jesus was known for associating with tax collectors and sinners, which was scandalous to the religious leaders of the time. Tax collectors were despised as traitors who worked for the Roman oppressors, often overcharging their fellow Jews for personal gain. “Sinners” referred to those who were either publicly immoral (such as prostitutes) or did not rigorously follow the Law. The Pharisees and scribes, who prided themselves on their strict religious observance, could not understand how Jesus, a rabbi, could welcome such people. Their complaint reveals their rigid understanding of righteousness, which was based on exclusion rather than transformation. But Jesus came not to affirm the righteous but to call sinners to repentance (Luke 5:32). This parable is His response to their hardness of heart.

Verse 3 – “So to them he addressed this parable.”
Jesus directs this parable specifically at the Pharisees and scribes, showing that it is not only about mercy but also about correcting a false understanding of God’s justice. True justice is not simply about retribution—it is about restoration.

Verse 11-12 – “A man had two sons, and the younger son said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of your estate that should come to me.’ So the father divided the property between them.”
The younger son’s request is shocking. In ancient Jewish culture, an inheritance was given upon the father’s death. By demanding it early, he is essentially saying, “I want your things, but I do not want you.” This symbolizes humanity’s tendency to desire God’s blessings while rejecting a relationship with Him. Yet, the father does not stop him. God never forces us to stay with Him; He allows us to go our own way, even when it leads to ruin.

Verse 13-14 – “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. When he had freely spent everything, a severe famine struck that country, and he found himself in dire need.”
Leaving for a “distant country” represents complete separation from the father. He wastes his inheritance, living recklessly, until a famine leaves him destitute. This moment reflects the spiritual starvation that comes from sin—it promises fulfillment but leaves us empty. Sin always leads to famine in the soul.

Verse 15-16 – “So he hired himself out to one of the local citizens who sent him to his farm to tend the swine. And he longed to eat his fill of the pods on which the swine fed, but nobody gave him any.”
For a Jew, tending pigs was the ultimate disgrace. Pigs were considered unclean animals under Jewish law (Leviticus 11:7). The son is so desperate that he desires the food given to the pigs—showing just how low he has fallen. Sin degrades human dignity, leaving us enslaved to what once seemed desirable.

Verse 17-19 – “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. I shall get up and go to my father and say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I no longer deserve to be called your son; treat me as you would treat one of your hired workers.”’”
His repentance begins with recognition—he realizes the contrast between his suffering and the abundance in his father’s house. Yet, his understanding is still incomplete. He believes he can only return as a servant, not a son. Many of us approach God this way, thinking we must earn back His love.

Verse 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.”
This is one of the most moving images of God’s love in all of Scripture. The father sees his son from a distance—meaning he was watching for him. God is always waiting for us to return. The father runs to him, breaking cultural norms, because his love is greater than any social expectation.

Verse 21-24 – “His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you; I no longer deserve to be called your son.’ 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. Take the fattened calf and slaughter it. Then let us celebrate with a feast, because this son of mine was dead, and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.’”
The father does not let his son finish his rehearsed apology. Instead, he restores him immediately. The robe represents honor, the ring signifies authority, and the sandals mark his status as a son, not a servant. God does not merely forgive—He restores.

Teachings

The Catechism states, “The Gospel is the revelation in Jesus Christ of God’s mercy to sinners” (CCC 1846). This means that everything Jesus did—His teachings, healings, and ultimately His Passion—was directed toward one purpose: reconciling humanity with the Father. The Parable of the Prodigal Son encapsulates this mission perfectly. The younger son represents the sinner who, having turned away from God, realizes his need for mercy. The father represents God, who not only forgives but restores the sinner to full dignity. This is the essence of the Gospel—God is not a distant judge but a loving Father who actively seeks His lost children.

St. John Paul II, in his encyclical Dives in Misericordia (Rich in Mercy), wrote, “Mercy is love’s second name”, affirming that God’s justice is always accompanied by mercy. This means that divine justice is not about exacting punishment but about restoring relationships. The elder son in the parable failed to understand this—he saw his father’s generosity as unjust because he believed righteousness should be rewarded and sin should be punished. But true justice, in God’s eyes, is not merely about fairness—it is about healing and restoration. This is why the father celebrates the younger son’s return: not because he was better than the elder son, but because love rejoices when what was broken is made whole again.

Throughout history, many saints have recognized themselves in the prodigal son. St. Augustine, who lived a life of self-indulgence before his conversion, reflected on God’s patience with him: “Late have I loved you, O Beauty ever ancient, ever new! Late have I loved you!” (Confessions, X.27). He understood that God had never abandoned him, even in his darkest moments. Similarly, St. Thérèse of Lisieux, though not a great sinner, had a deep understanding of divine mercy. She wrote, “Even if I had committed every crime imaginable, I would still have the same confidence in God, for I know that His love far surpasses any sin.” This echoes the message of the parable: God’s mercy is not dependent on our worthiness but on His infinite love.

The Church has consistently emphasized this message through the devotion to Divine Mercy, particularly in the writings of St. Faustina Kowalska. Jesus told her, “The greater the sinner, the greater the right he has to My mercy… sooner would heaven and earth turn into nothingness than would My mercy not embrace a trusting soul” (Diary of St. Faustina, 723). This statement echoes the father’s response in the parable—he does not question his son’s sincerity or demand repayment. He simply embraces him. This is how God loves us: without conditions, without hesitation, and without limits.

Reflection

This parable is deeply personal. At different times in our lives, we may identify with each of the three main characters. Some of us have been like the younger son, wandering far from God, chasing after worldly pleasures that ultimately leave us empty. Others have been like the elder son, outwardly faithful but inwardly resentful when God’s mercy is given freely to those we deem undeserving. And perhaps we have also been like the father, called to extend mercy to someone who has hurt us deeply. The question is: which role are you playing right now?

If you feel like the younger son—distant from God, ashamed of your past, and afraid to return—take comfort in knowing that the Father is already running toward you. He is not waiting for you to grovel or prove your worth. He simply wants you to come home. Do you believe that God can truly forgive you? Or are you still holding on to the idea that you must earn His love? Let this parable remind you that mercy is not earned; it is given freely.

If you relate more to the elder son, perhaps God is calling you to let go of resentment and embrace His generosity. The elder son did everything “right,” yet he was unable to rejoice in his brother’s return. Are there people in your life whom you struggle to forgive? Do you resent God’s mercy toward those you feel do not deserve it? Jesus challenges us to reflect on whether we truly understand divine mercy. True righteousness is not about strict adherence to rules—it is about having a heart that mirrors the Father’s.

Finally, if you see yourself in the father, God may be inviting you to extend mercy to someone who has wronged you. Forgiving is not easy, and it does not mean ignoring the hurt we have experienced. But it does mean choosing love over bitterness, restoration over resentment. Is there someone in your life who needs to know that they are still loved? How can you be a witness of God’s mercy to them?

Ultimately, this parable is not just a story about two sons—it is a story about all of us. It is about the extravagant, overwhelming, and undeserved love of the Father, who longs to bring His children home. Will you accept His invitation? Will you trust in His mercy? Will you rejoice with Him when the lost are found?

Come Home to the Father’s Heart

At the heart of today’s readings lies a profound and life-changing truth: God’s mercy is limitless, and His love never gives up on us. From the prophetic plea of Micah to the soaring praise of Psalm 103, and finally to Jesus’ powerful parable in the Gospel of Luke, we are reminded that God not only forgives—He delights in forgiving. He is not a distant, indifferent ruler but a Father who watches, waits, and runs toward His children the moment they turn back to Him. His mercy is not hesitant or reluctant; it is extravagant, eager, and overflowing.

Micah proclaims that God “removes guilt and pardons sin,” casting them into the depths of the sea. The psalmist echoes this, assuring us that “as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our sins from us” (Psalm 103:12). And in Jesus’ parable of the prodigal son, we see this mercy embodied in the father who runs to embrace his wayward child—not to condemn, but to restore. This is the God we serve: a Father whose love is greater than our worst sins, whose arms remain open no matter how far we have wandered.

But today’s message does not stop at receiving mercy—it challenges us to extend it. Are we willing to embrace those who have wronged us as freely as the father welcomed his son? Do we, like the elder brother, struggle to accept the generosity of God toward those we deem undeserving? Or are we ready to rejoice when the lost are found? God’s mercy is for all, but it transforms only those who are willing to receive it.

So where do you stand today? If you have been distant, come home. If you are weighed down by guilt, trust in the Father’s embrace. If you have been holding onto resentment, let go and make room for joy. No matter where you are on your journey, God is calling you—will you answer?

Engage with Us!

We would love to hear how today’s readings spoke to your heart! Share your thoughts in the comments—whether it’s a personal reflection, a moment of grace, or a struggle you’re working through. Let’s journey together in faith, lifting each other up as we grow in understanding and trust in God’s mercy.

Reflection Questions

First Reading – Micah 7:14-15, 18-20
Micah reminds us that God delights in showing mercy. Do you truly believe that God takes joy in forgiving you? How does this change the way you approach confession and repentance?

Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 103:1-4, 9-12
The psalmist proclaims that God removes our sins “as far as the east is from the west.” Do you fully accept God’s forgiveness, or do you still carry guilt over past mistakes? How can you live in the freedom of His mercy today?

Holy Gospel – Luke 15:1-3, 11-32
Do you see yourself more in the younger son, needing to return to the Father, or in the elder son, struggling to accept God’s generosity toward others? What is one step you can take this week to grow in mercy—either in receiving it or extending it?

As we go forth today, let’s remember that we are called to live in the love and mercy Jesus taught us. Every act of forgiveness, every moment of compassion, and every step back toward the Father brings us closer to the heart of God. May we embrace His mercy, share it with others, and walk in the freedom of His love.

You are deeply loved, and God is always waiting to welcome you home.

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