September 15, 2019 Sunday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time-C

Exodus 32:7-11, 13-14

Psalm 51

1 Timothy 1:12-17

Luke 15:1-32

…Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.  1 Tim. 1:15

“He ran to his son, embraced him and kissed him.” Lk. 15:20

Lord, I try to imagine you running to me, embracing me and kissing me after I have sinned.  Why is this reception so hard to visualize after I gaze at you on the cross?  By human standards your unconditional mercy and overwhelming forgiveness don’t make a lot of sense.  Thankfully, you don’t operate by human standards.  The man with two sons loved them both.  He respected the freedom of the younger son and so allowed him to go off with a large share of his wealth.  Just as you went looking for the lost sheep, the father searched the horizon every day for any sign of his son’s return.  When he came home there was no lecture and no questions about what he did with the money.  The father was just overwhelmed with joy at his son’s safe return.  Lord, you came to encourage all of us to turn from sin and to bring home to the Father everyone who has been lost.   I love you and praise you for your extravagant mercy for I am a sinner in need of forgiveness.  Thank you for running to me with open arms.  Amen.