Father and Sons

The texts today from Micah and Psalm 103 in the Roman Catholic Lectionary set the stage for the marvellous parable of steadfast love expressed in the Parable of the Prodigal and His Brother from the Gospel of Luke. The more ancient texts recognize the action of God against sin and the need of the Divine to chide and rebuke the actions of humanity in turning away from the intimate relationship offered by God. The overwhelming truth for these authors is the steadfast love of God which is always present for humanity. The words of Luke’s Gospel which are the climax of the parable are “But while he was yet at a distance, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him”. This is a small indication of the nature of the Divine desire for intimate communion with people. While we may remain “yet at a distance”, God is watching for our return.