And He said, “A man had two sons. The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the estate that is coming to me.’ And so he divided his wealth between them.

And not many days later, the younger son gathered everything together and went on a journey to a distant country, and there he squandered his estate in wild living. Now when he had spent everything, a severe famine occurred in that country, and he began doing without. So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed pigs. And he longed to have his fill of the carob pods that the pigs were eating, and no one was giving him anything.

But when he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired laborers have more than enough bread, but I am dying here from hunger! I will set out and go to my father, and will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in your sight; 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me as one of your hired laborers.”’ So he set out and came to his father. But when he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion for him, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.

And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his slaves, ‘Quickly bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet; and bring the fattened calf, slaughter it, and let’s eat and celebrate; for this son of mine was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.’ And they began to celebrate.

-- Luke 15:11-24

Reflection
In my office hangs Rembrandt’s painting of the father welcoming the prodigal son home. The son, is painted “wearing a torn undertunic covering his emaciated body, and the sandals in which he had walked so far, have become worn out and useless.” He kneels before his father with head bent low. His father dressed in fine crimson robes is facing us. His strong arms are extended toward his son, compassionate hands are placed on his son’s back, drawing him in ever closer. Tender love is poured out in this scene because the one who was lost is now home.

On the outskirts of the picture are men observing the scene. We can surmise the older bother and a servant. The one in the shadows might substitute for us. What would we have seen and felt to be standing close by with the family in this intimate moment?

When I gaze upon this painting, I am constantly reminded that “nothing separates us from the love of God.” We may think we have done something that will cause God to turn away – not so! We may think we have to earn God’s love by working hard - not so! God’s love is poured out to us as God’s gift of grace. Let this good news claim your heart.

-- Louise Rogers

Questions
When have you experienced a sense of being valued and beloved? How was that expressed?
Have you ever offered grace to someone expecting your judgement?

Prayer
God of grace, you run to meet us in love when we anticipate your disapproval. Knowing the joy of such grace, we look to live in ways that cause your mercy and goodness to explode into every corner of our homes, community and world. Amen.