Tuesday 4th of November
“Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.”
Luke 15:11–32
St. John Vianney worked as a priest in a village in France in the 19th century. He changed the local people from being indifferent in their faith to being devout by his care and by spending up to 16 hours per day in confession. By the end of his life, he received up to 20,000 pilgrims each year. He is the patron saint of parish priests, and he said, “The Lord is more anxious to forgive our sins than a woman is to carry her baby out of a burning building.”
We know today’s passage as the parable of the Prodigal, or spendthrift son. But the father was also prodigal with his love. He was watching and waiting for his lost son. He gave up his dignity by running to meet him and he gave his son back his status and possessions because he was overjoyed at having him back at home. Do we take advantage of the gift of the sacrament of Reconciliation? God our father, please help us to focus on Your love, and not our sin, and give us the hope, faith and courage to turn back to You.