Today’s readings show us the unconditional love of God. Despite the Israelites being rebellious against him during their journey in the desert towards the Promised Land, God remained faithful. In the Gospel, the prodigal son chose to leave the father’s house. God, who does not interfere with our free will, watches us as we pursue a “dream” that will eventually become a nightmare. He allows us to experience the consequences of our choices, not to harm us, but to teach us. The “merciful famine” that God permits into our lives often strips away illusions and brings us back to our senses. The day we realise that our answers were illusions is the day we receive the grace to return to God. There are many distractions in the world and we may fall. Yet he never stops waiting, watching, and running toward us when we turn back. He is inviting us into his presence, where we can rediscover our dignity as his children and experience his restoring and unconditional love.

Abba Father, break every chain and attraction to sin in my life and may I have the grace to remain in your presence. Amen.