We are all familiar with the Gospel parable of the Prodigal Son—at least, we are familiar with one part of it. We all remember how the younger brother in the parable demanded to receive his inheritance before his father died, and then went off and squandered that inheritance in sinful living. When he had nothing left, he humbly came back to his father’s house, and instead of being punished for his selfishness he was welcomed with a celebration. That’s what we remember about this parable. We all agree that it’s a good story. But is it really meant for all of us? Isn’t it just a parable for really big sinners who do terrible things? It can’t be a parable just for really big sinners who do terrible things, because Jesus told this parable to the Pharisees, who were the most faithful and religious people in Israel. The very word, Pharisee, means “separate”, in the sense of being superior to the others. The Pharisees were the good guys, the perfect Jews. So why would Jesus tell them the parable about the prodigal son, about someone who was so far from being perfect? There are a lot of reasons, and some of them have an important, refreshing, and inspiring message for us. This retreat guide, Father of Mercies: A Retreat Guide on the Parable of the Prodigal Son, will explore that message.
- The first meditation will focus on the hidden hero of this parable, the father who shows mercy to both of his sons.
- The second meditation will look at the relationship between God’s mercy and Christian Joy.
- And the conference will look at some practical things we can all do to live that joy more deeply.Let’s begin by turning our attention to God, who is already paying attention to us, and asking him to bless this time we will spend together, for the glory of his name and for the good of our souls.
