Ps 51 2-6, 15-16, 20
1 Tm 1:12-17
Lk 15:1-32
Today's gospel contains three parables that speak to us of God's love and mercy. Most especially these stories remind us that no matter how far off the chose path we may stray, God will be waiting and welcoming us.
In the Exodus reading, the Israelites have built an altar of god and brought animals to burn as sacrifice. They have turned their backs on the Lord who brought them out of Egypt. Moses pleads on behalf of his people and God relents, keeping his promise to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
Once again we are reminded that it is in our sinfulness that God comes to us. Like the son who returned to his loving father, we too can celebrate with the Lord out of our weakness. For we walk our closest walk with him when we acknowledge our helplessness and utter dependence on God, our Father.
The Church offers us it welcoming arms, too, through the sacraments of baptism and reconciliation. Celebrating these sacraments is encountering the loving Father as he welcomes us or calls us back to the family of believers. But, like the son, we must acknowledge our sins, turn away and return to the Father.
How often we fail to do this, telling ourselves "The sin is too great!" or "Next time I'll deal with this." We doubt the unlimited mercy of God, and deny the need to have his help in getting back "on track".
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